Vigallon shares expertise on how what to look for, and avoid
By Bryan Harrison, Association News Network, Inc.

In keeping with the Mid-Valley Claims Association’s efforts to provide quality continuing education to its members at monthly luncheon meetings, the November gathering featured guest speaker John Vigallon, of Kellco-Macs Environmental Labs, addressing meth labs, associated hazards, and how to avoid being at their affect.

The meeting began with a very quick election process, with the officers and board proposed for 2010 being unanimously elected (see page 7 for results).

As methamphetamine has become a rampant problem in today’s society, the prevalence of toxic meth labs has grown exponentially.

A substance that can be made in a bath tub or kitchen sink, meth is an extremely addictive and inexpensive drug that has taken hold and destroyed countless lives. The recipe for making the drug is relatively simple, though extremely toxic and volatile. Added to the danger is the condition of the housing market. Meth labs have been popping up in abandoned/foreclosed homes throughout the region.

Mr. Vigallon brought to the group the perspective of a professional with many years of experience working with law enforcement to curb gang violence.

For claims adjusters and restoration companies going out on property claims that involve suspected meth labs, extreme caution is advised.

“Each pound of meth amphetamine product that’s produced leaves five (5) pounds of toxic waste,” he informed the group.

Due to the ease of putting a meth lab together, combined with the dangers of getting caught, “the life of a meth lab is (typically) just one month, maybe two, before they move on,” he said.

“If you’re walking into a site and see barn red colored stains on the walls, turn around and walk out,” he advised. “Meth,” he stated flatly, “it owns your soul.”

John went through the process necessary to attempt to restore a building that’s been polluted by the toxic agents used for cooking meth. “In some instances,” he said, “you have to tear the building down to its core. It’s expensive and time consuming,” he added.
“Once it’s all cleaned up, testing must be done. Then,you close the house up and run the heater for three or four days, and test again.”

Final step is looking for re-staining. If it’s re-staining, you’ve got a problem.
John’s presentation sparked a good deal of discussion and questions. Bottom line: be careful out there.