What hazards exist in a clandestine lab?
Since the activity in these labs is illegal, they are usually designed for ease of concealment of the activity and not for safety. Often, the persons running the lab have little or no formal education in chemistry. Numerous hazards exist in this environment including potential toxicities from the chemicals and gases produced, fires, explosions and chemical and thermal burns. Children living in a lab are at heightened risk for physical, psychological and sexual abuse, neglect, as well as possible exposure to methamphetamine or dangerous chemicals, booby traps, violence, weapons and pornography.
