Even if the owner disclosed prior drug use you should have the home tested for traces of drugs. The dangers aren’t worth the risk. These chemicals can saturate the walls, get into the carpet and house contents such as furniture. Lead and mercury are common byproducts found in the meth residue. Health offices say effects from exposure to meth residue can include respiratory problems, skin and eye irritation, rash, headaches, nausea, dizziness, loss of coordination, damage to life, kidney, and central nervous systems. Little is known about the long-term effects on health.
Many meth labs are never detected at all – and the true numbers could be staggering. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, “Over 12 million United States citizens reported trying methamphetamine at least once with over 800,000 people reporting lifetime methamphetamine use during 2004.”
If you don’t know the history of your home try to find out. If you moving into a new area find out as much as you can about its history. If you’re renting try to gather information from your neighbors and landlord. Rather than worry, order a test kit or hire a qualified environmental inspector to perform a street drug test for security and peace of mind.