Occupational methamphetamine manufacturing toxin exposure: An exposure example

Purpose To illustrate opportunities for pharmacists as resources for community-based healthcare professionals that may be at-risk for occupational exposure to toxins of illicit methamphetamine (METH) manufacturing while providing case management services to community-based patients. Summary Pharmacists can serve as a resource with education and protocol development for minimizing the hazards of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, at-risk for exposure to the toxins of METH manufacturing while providing community-based case management. The illicit production of METH requires solvents for extraction and purification and often results in the release of a number of harmful, and potentially deadly, chemicals and gases. For community-based healthcare professionals, risk factors include direct contact and inhalation. Community-based healthcare professionals providing case management services to patients involved in the production of METH are at-risk for exposure. Examples of an occupational exposure and how the pharmacist can serve as a resource to these providers are provided. Conclusions When conducting home- or community-based services, healthcare professionals may inadvertently experience health-related consequences and injuries because of exposure to hazardous wastes created by and used in the production of METH. The pharmacist can provide education and protocol development to help healthcare professionals identify hazards of exposure to the toxins of the manufacturing of METH, identify signs and symptoms of METH use, and identify signs and symptoms of toxin exposure.