Check out property before you decide to call it home

As most of you know, my company is a cleaning company and we do a variety of things. One of the things we do is clean homes. Over this last year we have cleaned several homes where I had a strong that drugs were made in the home.

With meth use on the rise, more and more properties are being used as labs in its production. Many people buying these former properties are unaware of their history and are unknowingly placing themselves at risk. So, how can you identify if a house or property was formerly used as a meth lab.

Property owners and individuals looking to purchase a property should take steps to protect themselves, not only by getting property inspections from qualified inspectors, but also by taking an active role and asking questions. People interested in a property should begin by talking to the neighbors. Neighbors are often a strong source of information and may be able to provide some insight into the history of the home and the nature of the previous occupants. Most neighbors would also be familiar with signs of suspicious activity, high traffic in and out of the house, odd odors, and even excessive trash present and around the home.

City police and the sheriff's office can be consulted. They may be able to provide information regarding illegal activity that may have occurred on that property.

Finally, there are signs inside and outside of the home that can be used to determine if a home was potentially used for a lab. The following information should be considered:

? Dark stains in the bathtubs, toilets, sinks or on walls.

? Signs of chemical burns or smells, or acrid odors.

? Dead or dying vegetation at one location on the property, it could be a dump site.

? Burn pile on property with the presence of cold/allergy medication packages not fully burnt up.

While these items may be signs of a lab, they shouldn't be considered as the sole basis for determining if a property was used in the production of meth. The best approach is to use neighbor communication, law enforcement records, visible signs and property inspection to determine the home's status. If, at that point, you have a strong suspicion that the home was used to produce meth, you should consider having the home tested for residual production chemicals.

When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES at 255-2266, or e-mail them to madan@surf1.ws or drop them off at the Daily Bee, 310 Church St., or mail them to or mail them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Box 159, Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?

For more information about Ed, check him out at www.NWEES.com.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the CEO of Northwest Executive and Environmental Services, LLC.