Why is methamphetamine use such a problem in rural areas?
The problems with methamphetamine use in rural areas are many. In rural areas, there are many abandoned buildings such as farm houses and barns on remote roads. Some of these buildings house methamphetamine labs, which operate undetected. Anhydrous ammonia is one of the key ingredients in producing meth. It is readily available in rural areas as farmers use this chemical as fertilizer. Thefts of anhydrous ammonia storage units have prompted law enforcement officials in some areas to urge farmers to lock their tanks. Rural areas are dealing with the cleanup of toxic methamphetamine lab sites which have a severe impact on the environment. Each pound of methamphetamine produced releases poisonous gas into the atmosphere and creates five to seven pounds of toxic waste. In addition, many meth laboratory operators dump the toxic waste down household drains, in fields and yards, or on rural roads. Children are endangered by methamphetamine production. Children that are around areas of methamp
