Third-Hand Exposure to Methamphetamine: Investigating Airborne Levels and Remediation Approaches

Methamphetamine, when released as vapor in a household, can contaminate various surfaces. This contamination can persist over time, posing health risks to current and future occupants. Existing guidelines define a ‘safe’ surface concentration threshold (0.05 µg/100 cm²); however, this standard does not account for inhalation exposure. Our findings indicate that inhalation is likely a significant exposure pathway for children, and air sampling strongly correlates with other sampling methods. We also found that methamphetamine readily desorbs from contaminated surfaces, whether from smoking or production activities. Additionally, we successfully visualized methamphetamine distribution in plasterboard using desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging, with validation via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. These outcomes aim to inform professionals and the public about the risks and remediation of third-hand methamphetamine exposure in Australia.

Please note this is a Student Progress Review Presentation by Joong Nam