Drug agents are being warned that marijuana grow houses can be just as dangerous as meth labs.
The National Narcotics Officers Association sent out a recent notice warning of the dangers of hazardous chemicals and gases.
The group urges drug agents to use protection when busting grow houses.
When they bust a marijuana grow house, Drug agents know they have to beware the people growing the illegal drugs but now they are being warned that the air and materials inside those grow houses could be just as dangerous.
Drug agents say in September 2010, when they busted marijuana grow house on Forest Ridge Drive, the environment inside that home made them immediately know they were dealing with a dangerous situation.
"Once they broke the door down, it hit us. It was extremely strong," said Albany Dougherty Drug Unit Commander Major Bill Berry.
Grow houses are usually sealed air tight, to keep the marijuana odor from escaping and giving away their illegal operation.
Drug agents are now being urged to think about the air coming from inside grow houses as being just as dangerous as the toxic chemicals found in meth labs.
"Yes, it's incredibly strong odors coming out of there. And something is generating that. Whether it's the plants, the fertilizers, the nutrients that they are feeding it with, or whatever. And that's what we got to be concerned about that," said Berry.
Mold and spores that could be growing in grow houses could be just as dangerous as chemicals to people breathing them and national law enforcement agencies are warning drug agents to take the threat seriously.
"They are worried about long term effects. What will that do once it gets into the system. How will it affect liver, kidneys, the nervous system," said Berry.
Albany Dougherty Drug Agents often suit up for grow house busts using hazmat suits, gloves, and breathing apparatus. Now with these more recent studies and warnings urging increased caution, drug agents say they will use even more caution to protect themselves.
It's a tough job for drug agents. They often have to make quick entry into these marijuana grow houses to seize evidence but now they are being warned that they might consider having to wear hazmat suits to do it.
Large grow houses can also be a danger to neighbors around them.
Many of the properties end up being condemned because the walls and floors are permanently stained with chemicals and mold.
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