Commonly Used Chemicals & Equipment

Acetone is a colourless highly volatile and flammable solvent. Acetone causes significant mucous membrane irritation, nausea and vomiting following ingestion and slight irritation to the nose and throat following inhalation. The primary systemic effect is CNS depression with effects ranging from sedation and dizziness to coma, respiratory depression and death. Aspiration at the time of ingestion or after vomiting may result in severe life-threatening lung injury.

Ephedrine is the primary precursor used in clandestine methamphetamine production. It is available as tablets for relieving bronchoconstriction and mucosal congestion associated with bronchial asthma, asthmatic bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, and bronchial spasms. Severe overdose effects most commonly result in hypertension, tachycardia, followed by bradycardia, and arrhythmias, seizures, cerebral hemorrhage or vasoconstriction, and psychosis.

Hydriodic Acid is a corrosive acid which is colourless when freshly prepared but with exposure to light turns yellow to brown. The vapour is irritating to the respiratory system, skin and eyes. The liquid can cause severe burns to the skin and eyes. Ingestion may cause severe internal damage.

Hydrochloric Acid is a corrosive light yellow liquid which can cause severe burns to the skin and eyes.

Hypophosphorous Acid is an extremely dangerous substitute for red phosphorus. If overheated deadly phosphine gas is released. Poses a serious fire and explosive hazard.

Iodine occurs as bluish black scales or plates. It has a sharp acrid taste and produces a violet corrosive vapour which is irritating to the respiratory tract and eyes. The solid form may burn the skin and if ingested may cause gastrointestinal bleeding, anuria or circulatory collapse.

Methyl Ethyl Ketone is a colourless, flammable, liquid solvent with an acetone like odour. It is rapidly absorbed via inhalation. Inhalation has affected liver function and has caused CNS functional impairment. High vapour concentrations may affect reproduction as evidenced by the findings of either terato or fetotoxic signs in limited rat studies.

Pseudoephedrine is contained in over the counter cold medicines and is the primary precursor used in clandestine methamphetamine production. The most common manifestations of overdose include mydriasis, vomiting, tachycardia, sinus arrhythmias, hypertension, agitation and anxiety, hallucinations (particularly in children), tremors and hyper-reflexia.

Red Phosphorus is a red to violet powder. Burning produces phosphorus pentoxide in the form of a pungent smoke. The smoke formed by combustion is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Pulmonary oedema may occur from inhalation of the phosphorus smoke.

Sodium Hydroxide is a white granular powder which is very corrosive to human tissues. It generates considerable heat when mixed with water or acid.

Sulfuric Acid is a clear colourless oily liquid which is extremely corrosive to the skin and causes severe burns.

Toluene is a liquid solvent which is flammable and highly volatile. It is readily absorbed after inhalation and slowly absorbed through the skin. Effects of inhalation may include respiratory irritation, CNS depression, nausea, headache and various cardiovascular abnormalities. Exposure to high concentrations can lead to renal effects, coma, respiratory depression, hypoxemia and death. Brief skin exposure may cause mild irritation, but prolonged contact can lead to severe burns. Skin absorption is limited, and systemic effects are unlikely unless exposure is prolonged and extensive. Toluene is a strong eye irritant. Exposure causes immediate severe burning pain with temporary loss of visual acuity.