Illicit Drug Inspections

Illicit drug use inside properties can lead to contamination levels like those found in a drug lab. Exposure to this contamination can lead to various health risks, such as respiratory problems, headaches, nausea and even behavioural changes in small children. Long-term exposure can lead to miscarriage, birth defects and cancer. 

Western Australia has the highest meth use of all States and Territories in Australia.  This shocking fact revealed by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Illicit Drug Data Report 2016-17. The most common residue is from smoking methylamphetamine also known as meth, crystal meth or ice. 

 The residues that stay behind in houses are not visible and for the most part has no chemical odour or smell. It is important to be proactive about ensuring the safety of your family when buying or renting a home. There are maximum acceptable meth contamination levels (0.5 micrograms per 100cm2) set by the Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia (EPA).

If you sell or rent out your property, you are responsible for ensuring it is safe to live in. Unacceptable levels meaning landlords and property owners could face legal action from tenants, new owners or neighbours.

Remediation of a contaminated property can involve removal of interior fixtures, such as plasterboard, ceiling and wall linings, carpets, curtains, electrical cabling, rangehoods, air-conditioning units and insulation.  The cost can be substantial, ranging between $5,000 – $50,000.

Landlord insurance usually don’t cover remediation of drug contamination, which means you as the homeowner will have to fit the bill.

Jim’s Building Inspections Western Australia is qualified to inspect and test for the presence of meth.  We provide a comprehensive report based on the results of the tests.  We use only NATA accredited testing laboratories.