Third-hand smoking of methamphetamine: an investigation of airborne methamphetamine level and remediation approach

Methamphetamine, once released in vapour form in households could contaminate various household surfaces. This contaminant can persist and poses a public health risk to current and/or future tenants.

At the moment, a guideline recommends a threshold for ‘safe’ levels, determined by surface concentration (0.05µg/100cm2). However, this threshold was established without considering the inhalation exposure pathway. This study aims to investigate all exposure routes to provide a more comprehensive understanding, while also looking at the complex relationship between desorption of methamphetamine molecules from contaminated surfaces to air, and the ability for methamphetamine to penetrate through plasterboard layers. We also aim to evaluate remediation strategies commonly used for contaminated properties in Australia. The outcomes are expected to inform the professionals and the public about the risk and remediation of third hand exposure to methamphetamine in Australia.

Please note this is a PhD student Confirmation Progress Review presentation.