Methamphetamine Contaminant Testing

• The property was a rental
• There is evidence of smoking or unusual chemical storage (like Coleman fuel or Drano where they wouldn’t normally be)
• You’re purchasing a home without prior meth history disclosure
• Police activity has been reported at the property (This is public record – request this information before you buy.)

A: There is no legal obligation for buyers or sellers to test. However, if testing is done and contamination is discovered, state disclosure laws and property devaluation issues may apply. In Colorado, any home that tests positive for meth contamination must be reported, and it will be listed on the meth-affected properties list for five years post-remediation.

A: Homebuyers, real estate agents, property managers, and law enforcement (after a report of drug activity) frequently request methamphetamine testing.

A: Yes. Levels must be below 0.5 ug/100cm², depending on the type of inspection and compliance regulations. Results will determine whether you move to mitigation or preliminary inspection. After mitigation, in order to pass clearance, levels must meet or exceed these numbers.

A: Yes. Even a single event can result in widespread contamination affecting multiple rooms and HVAC systems.

A: Pricing varies depending on property size and testing level, the number of samples, and regulatory compliance requirements.

A: If contamination exceeds safe levels, M.A.R.S. will:

• Notify state agencies (as required)
• Provide a verbal report and a written report with results and a detailed scope of work for remediation
• Coordinate contractor walk-throughs for mitigation proposals, per client’s request

A: Items like mattresses, couches, and carpets often cannot be safely and fully cleaned and may need to be discarded.

A: On-site sampling generally takes 1–3 hours depending on property size. Lab results follow within 3 business days.

If contamination is found, remediation can take months, depending on the extent of contamination. If lab results show high levels of contamination, cleaning may not be enough, and you’ll have to go down to the studs for full clearance, which is costly and time consuming.

A: We always test bathroom fans because bathrooms are a common place people smoke, thinking the fans will clear out contamination (they don’t). So we always test bathrooms, any place that looks as if it’s a common hangout place, and anywhere we notice unusual chemical storage. After that we choose other sampling locations based on inspection and state regulations (if it’s state-compliant testing).