New Law Protects Home Buyers from Meth Labs

A new Oklahoma law will protect unspecting home buyers from purchasing a home where a methamphetamine lab has been in operation -- forcing the seller of the property to clean up any contamination before the sale.

Under the new law, which was sponsored by State Senator Randy Brogdon, buyers have up to two years to sue the seller if the presence of a former meth lab is not disclosed before the sale, according to the Star-News.

Law enforcement officials say for each pound of methamphetamine produced, five pounds of toxic waste can be produced. The harardous toxic chemicals can be absorbed into the swelling's walls, vents, drains and carpet. "The substance is extremely harmful to children," said Rep. Sue Tibbs.

Environmental cleaning companies charge $5,000 to $7,000 to clean up a house used as a meth lab. The process can take two days. Under the new law, this cost will be paid by the owner of the house before they can sell it.

Law agencies in Oklahoma spend $4.3 million a year removing hazardous material from meth labs. The Oklahoma City Police Department spent $30,000 on disposable protective suits last year, $130,000 on equipment, and $175,000 in overtime. Law enforcement agencies remove the toxic chemicals, but they do not do a complete clean up of the building.

"Once we leave, the house is still contaminated, and it's usually stuff you can't see," said Mark Woodward, spokesman for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics. "The house needs to be tested."