The Problem - Toxic Exposures

The need for protective equipment for law enforcement personnel caught inside of an active methamphetamine laboratory did not become an issue until years had passed since the methamphetamine strike forces had started their work and after hundreds of police officers had already been exposed to toxic chemicals.

Utah officers were among the first to be exposed to chemical exposure in meth labs in the early and mid 1980’s. At the time, the long term side effects of such exposure were not known and officers were not required to wear protective gear.

Today, the extent of the serious effects of such exposure to health is well documented – people who come in contact with the highly toxic chemicals used to make the drug can become sick and prolonged exposure can lead to cancer. The use of protective gear is now fully implemented. Unfortunately, this necessary precaution has come too late for dozens of law enforcement personnel already suffering from various serious ailments. Tragically, several officers in Utah who worked in the methamphetamine strike forces have died of cancer in the last few years.      

The establishment of the Utah Meth Cops Project gives hope for the first time to these unsung hero’s exposed to toxic chemicals in the line of duty.

Burn Pits

In Iraq and Afghanistan, burn pits are sometimes the only places to dispose of trash, including plastics and rubber, medical waste and many other highly toxic materials. These burn pits spew acrid smoke over military bases and surrounding areas.  

A presentation by Dr. Bill Halperin head of Occupational and Environmental Health Subcommittee at the Defense Health Board, revealed that 500,000 pounds of various materials was burned each day at Iraq Balad Air Force Base alone at the peak of the burns and before the use of industrial incinerators were used.

Many soldiers who have been exposed have come back home complaining of serious respiratory problems, shortness of breath, skin irritation, fatigue and an overall sense of ill health. These symptoms are reminiscent of what rescue workers at Ground Zero experienced after working at the Pile, the same symptoms that were alleviated at the New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Project.

Ready to Help

The American Detoxification Foundation's mission is to help soldiers, police officers and firefighters who have suffered as a result of toxic exposure in the line of duty.

If you are a soldier, police officer, firefighter or first responder from anywhere in the country and are suffering from such exposure encountered in the line of duty, we stand ready to help.

Please contact us via email or phone.