How is Crystal Meth Manufactured?

Crystal meth is "cooked" in labs that spring up in warehouses, abandoned homes, and kitchens in neighborhoods across the country. Household chemicals and solvents purchased in grocery and hardware stores, over the counter medications such as pseudophed, and ordinary items such as pots and pans are used to manufacture this killer. When these ordinary ingredients are combined the result is a deadly form of amphetamine...crystal meth...and toxic by-products that contaminate the air, can cause illness and death, and are highly volatile, often exploding without warning. When meth labs are found and shut down, hazardous materials units are required to properly handle and dismantle the labs in order to protect homes and people living near the meth lab.