KEY POINTS:
Specialist cleaning crews are being called in to deal with the aftermath of P labs every week but no national standards have been laid down to ensure the process is consistent throughout the country.
While testing and cleaning companies say they abide by their own best practice standards,
there is no common approach.
That means there is no guarantee a 'cleaned up' lab in one part of the country will meet the same standards as one in another part of the country and that raised concerns about the well-being of any new tenants.
It also leaves landlords wondering if their home has been cleaned correctly or if they are being charged for services they don't need.
Forensic and Industrial Science scientist Dr Nick Powell said his staff are usually the first into a home after a P lab has been found and processed by police and ESR.
His company's job is to test the home for the presence of various chemicals and then prepare a report for cleaning companies on how best to remove them from the property and building materials.
While his company uses American standards, Dr Powell said there were no New Zealand guidelines in place.
"There are no defined standards for how these places should be tested in New Zealand. In relation to standards, we simply impose the most stringent standards that have been applied anywhere in the world for concentrations of substances in the air.
"If a premises doesn't meet that then we say, no it's not fit for habitation until the concentration of the substance is brought down and then we explain how that can be done most quickly and cost effectively."
Dr Powell said there was also no requirements for cleaning companies to have the house tested before going in, although most specialist cleaners did, as it reduced the risk to their staff if they knew what they were facing.
Enviroclean & Restoration director Jason Twigg, whose company cleans up meth labs on a weekly basis, said the lack of national standards has led to an inconsistency in the cleaning process.
Of particular concern is the difference between large cities that are used to cleaning up labs on a regular basis and more remote areas, that only have one or two a year and aren't as familiar with the process.
"Some of the councils are not following international practices, they are saying you don't need to get testing done."'
Mr Twigg said following international practices was not always reliable as even in countries like America, standards varied between states.
He said the best way to ensure homes that had been meth labs were cleaned to the same standards and safe for people to inhabit again was to introduce national standards.
Ministry of Health Communicable Disease and Environmental Health Policy group manager Graeme Gillespie said guidelines around the clean up of clan labs were being developed in consultation with the relevant agencies.
However the guidelines, due to be introduced early next year, would be just that, a guide, not a mandatory standard with a statutory effect.
"The aim of the guidelines will be to inform, assist and advise agencies such as territorial authorities and public health service units within District Health Boards, about the clean-up of former clandestine laboratories."
NZ Property Investors Federation Andrew King said landlords would welcome guidelines as it would give some consistency to the clean-up process throughout the country.
However, he said the Federation would like to be consulted to ensure landlords weren't left in a position where they were 'overcleaning' a property due to overly strict cleaning levels and requirements.
* HOW TO RECOGNISE A DRUG FACTORY
Concerned about suspicious activity in your neighbourhood? Here are some signs police say you should look for:
Strange smells or fumes/vapour escaping from windows or ventilators
Unusual activity at unusual times
Buildings being used for purposes other than normal e.g. garage not housing vehicles
Windows being covered/sealed all the time
Unusual erratic behaviour by residents
If you have any concerns get in touch with your local police immediately
