Abstract
Children who are raised in an environment where illicit methamphetamine production occurs can experience acute health effects from hazardous substances used. Common substances used include anhydrous ammonia, hydrochloric acid, and acetone. Many of these are hazardous upon exposure and can lead to emergency events such as fires, explosions, spills, and toxic emissions. Data from 17 states participating in the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance system were used to analyze the acute health consequences among children exposed to hazardous substances released in association with illicit methamphetamine production during 1996 through 2001. Of the 519 methamphetamine-related emergency events identified where releases occurred, at least 8 known events involved 13 children who were injured. In four of these eight events, lethal substances such as anhydrous ammonia were released. The predominant injuries sustained by these children were respiratory irritation and trauma. More action is needed to remove children from these dangerous environments and to educate innocent bystanders, as well as the substance abusers themselves, about the risks involved with methamphetamine and its illicit production.