When we think of substances that can contaminate a house, asbestos and lead come to mind. But this morning’s New York Times highlights a different type of contaminant — toxins from methamphetamine — that is plaguing some homeowners. Contamination from former meth labs can cause respiratory and other health problems as the chemicals linger in the walls, carpets, insulation and air ducts, even years after the substance isn’t being produced in the home anymore. Clean-up is expensive, costing anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000, according to the NYT. Though home owners are supposed to disclose whether the house ever housed a meth lab, they may lie or may not know if a family member or friend has secretly set up shop in the home. Nearly

7,000 clandestine meth labs were discovered in the U.S. last year. The EPA was supposed to publish cleanup guidelines by the end of last year, but the final guidelines aren’t out yet. Meanwhile, about 20 states have passed laws for meth contamination cleanup, but they don’t use consistent standards, according to the article. Toxic Bonus : Meth toxins aren’t the only ones that can linger in a household. Research suggests that particles from tobacco smoke can seek into furniture and carpeting, a phenomenon dubbed “ third-hand smoke “. Children who touch or are otherwise exposed to the surfaces could experience cognitive problems similar to low-level lead exposure. Photo: iStockphoto

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Meth Contamination Plagues Homeowners, Causes Illness