Clandestine methamphetamine production labs (“Clan Labs”) are found in residential dwellings, motel rooms, garages, automobiles, etc. Law enforcement and first responders remove gross quantities of hazardous materials, but property owners do further remediation. Decontamination processes for residual chemical materials can vary, and the most effective cleaning method is unknown. Dr. Karen R. Caldwell’s research aims to understand how surface properties and interfacial chemical reactions govern the effectiveness of cleaning methods and determine the best method. 

In our research, a typical sample is obtained by wiping a 10-cm x 10-cm square to which a known quantity of a model compound was applied uniformly. Then, a chemical analysis of the wipe will be performed. Previously, we developed a simple template that prevents leakage of applied solvent when performing the wiping procedure. We also found that wipes based on laboratory filter paper are the best to ensure that all material on the test squares is ultimately analyzed. Preliminary results: (1) Not all material applied is routinely recovered – 60-65% recovery is typical, and (2) Variability of up to 30% recovery is observed when different workers carry out the identical wipe procedure. 

Current research focuses on what causes these differences. We continue using a model compound that can be analyzed via UV-VIS spectroscopy. Modern computational chemistry approaches are being explored, as is the potential influence of surface roughness on the reproducibility and accuracy of this surface-wiping procedure. Once a well-characterized wipe test protocol is developed, a compound more closely related to methamphetamine will be synthesized and subjected to standard wipe testing and analysis. Progress towards this end will be reported.