Decontamination Case Studies

This is a case study of a meth lab in a home controlled by a federal housing agency required the property management company to contract with a qualified contractor to complete testing and decontamination. ADS was chosen based upon its pricing and expertise. Assessment testing confirmed appreciable levels of methamphetamine contamination throughout the two story, 2000 square foot home. No environmental impacts were found. A decontamination work plan was prepared which called for the removal and disposal of all carpet and pad material, drapes, bedding and all other porous items. All walls, floors, cabinets and other structures were decontaminated by ADS technicians. The forced air ventilation system was thoroughly scrubbed and vacuumed to remove all particulates. All ventilation ducting was then washed. Confirmation samples were collected to demonstrate successful decontamination. The home was properly prepared for new ownership to paint and refinish woodwork (encapsulate) to complete the required restoration process.

A motel facility was the victim of transient fentanyl usage activities. Assessment sampling in the source room confirmed the presence of fentanyl. Samples collected from the hallway and adjacent rooms were negative–indicating only a localized problem. Assured Decontamination Service technicians completed decontamination activities in a safe and professional order. Confirmation samples were collected and the room was placed back into service within 3 days.

A car borrowed by a teenager was impounded following a search and seizure stemming from a traffic violation. The car was towed to the impound lot. Methamphetamine was seized from the persons in the car. The car was deemed contaminated due to the use of meth (smoking) in the car. ADS was contacted to decontaminate the car with that had a Bluebook value of $15,000. Low levels of methamphetamine were confirmed on the dashboard. The interior of the car, including the trunk and vent ducts, were thoroughly cleaned. Post-cleaning samples collected from the dashboard confirmed successful decontamination.

An elderly man was found deceased, lying on his bed, by his son. Having passed a week prior, the decomposition of the body had saturated the bed mattress, box spring and carpeting under the bed. The son contacted the authorities and neighborhood funeral home who in turn recommended ADS. Three ADS technicians were dispatched and removed the mattress, box spring and affected carpeting and containerized them for disposal. All waste material was delivered to a licensed autoclave facility to destroy the biological hazard. Prior to leaving, the bedroom was vacuumed, spoiled food was removed from the refrigerator and personal affects that were of immediate importance were boxed-up at the request of the next of kin. The home was deodorized upon departure.

A husband, and father of three, committed suicide in a garage two weeks prior to Christmas. At the request of the son-in-law ADS was hired and dispatched to complete the cleanup. The ADS lead technician met the son-in-law at the property to gain access and determine which items were of value (monetary and sentimental) and would need to be cleaned or discarded. During the course of the cleanup several sizable bone fragments were discovered. The medical examiner was notified. The unpainted sheetrock walls and ceiling could not be effectively cleaned and would need to be removed for disposal. This need was discussed with the son-in-law to obtain approval. Photos were taken throughout the cleanup process to assist in the preparation of a report and invoice to the insurance company.

A referral from a local funeral home was received from a woman whose boyfriend was murdered during a drug deal. During the course of the cleanup, ADS technicians discovered a shell casing from the gun used in the homicide. The spent casing was turned-over to local law enforcement who removed a usable fingerprint from the casing. The fingerprint was instrumental in the development of the criminal case and conviction of the murderer.