Part 1
Insurance
is a great fit for homeowners. It also works wonderfully for those who own
condos, mobile homes and for those who choose to rent. Insurance works because
most policies are designed to handle many sources of accidental loss. More
specifically, to handle losses related to regular, residential use. In some
instances, insurance doesn’t work at all; such as when a residence is used for
a business. It truly doesn’t work when a home is used for an illegal business
and there is one such use that is growing at near-epidemic proportions….Meth
houses!
No matter
the coast, no matter the location; meth homes are a problem. Meth is a popular,
highly addictive drug that is also, unfortunately, very profitable. The lure of
recreational drugs and big money is resulting in the explosive use of homes as
meth labs. Police report that they find meth labs in cities, rural areas, and
in suburbs. No matter where they are found; making illegal drugs is a crime and
insurance doesn’t provide protection.
This is
still a problem for property owners and the insurance industry because these
are the parties that are burdened with handling the aftermath. The process of
making meth involves the use of materials that are toxic and highly flammable.
Many explosions occur while making this drug. Even when done without mishap,
the process creates toxic contamination for the living space used as a lab.
Occupants of such homes suffer serious illness.
A meth
home is considered a localized, environmental hazard. The owners of such
properties are required to safely and thoroughly remove meth-related
contaminants. The process has to be handled by specialists, it usually takes
several treatments and the cost can run into the tens of thousands of dollars.
Further, testing and re-testing must be performed to assure a proper job.
Frequently
it is banks and property owners who have to find a way to deal with the illegal
activity of criminal homeowners and tenants who, having escaped or are imprisoned; don’t care about their meth mess.
See part
two of this article on more information on the consequences of meth activity.
Part 2
See part
one of this article.
Meth
homes are often abandoned and condemned, creating a problem for their
respective neighborhoods, including pushing down its market values. They also
continue as a magnet for illegal activity and/or can become an attractive
nuisance, creating increased chances for injury to local children. They also
can create an increase in exposure to thefts.
Meth
homes also create a major problem for persons who, unknowingly, buy them. Most
states have no laws that require prior meth use to be reported to prospective
buyers. Stopping meth manufacturing does not end a problem. Making meth creates
fumes and residue that permeates a home’s walls, ceilings, flooring, etc. Furniture
is similarly contaminated. Regular cleaning efforts are inadequate in
eliminating meth component contamination. Expert remediation is needed to
remove the dangers caused by contamination from chemicals such as ether, paint
thinner, different acids, even anhydrous ammonia. Without remediation, persons can
be seriously sickened while occupying such homes. Problems that could develop
include skin rashes, nausea, headaches, serious air passage irritation/burns,
and serious lung damage. Prolonged occupation in contaminated homes could even
cause death.
Due to
the presence of invasive, dangerous chemical residue, proper property cleaning
must be done by persons with the correct, special equipment and expertise.
Areas used to make meth can be restored, but it involves many steps such as
hauling and disposing of contaminated furnishings, cleaning of all surfaces.
Interior spaces often have to undergo prolonged exposure to high temperatures
(90 degrees of more) for several days. Extensive cleaning may involve partial
dismantling and cleaning electrical wiring, plumbing, heating and ventilation
systems. Special vacuums may be necessary. Expert testing and monitoring is
also necessary. The entire process may easily cost upwards of tens of thousands
of dollars.
Often,
innocent parties turn to their insurance companies for help, but meth activity
is NOT an insurable matter. Unfortunately, desperate for help, property owners
frequently sue their insurers, trying to find any viable angle to secure
coverage…..and this creates a losing proposition…..for everyone.
If you’re
a prospective homebuyer, specifically ask about the prior use of a home and get
the seller to document that it was not used as a meth lab. If you are a
landlord, be careful who you rent your property to and make sure that you
monitor your property’s use. If you have to deal with a meth mess; be sure to
contact services with the expertise to clean the mess up right.
COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2017
All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole
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