About precursor chemical residue
| Chemical | Associated with | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine | Methamphetamine | Extracted from cold and flu medicines, now tightly controlled |
| Phenylacetone (P2P) | Methamphetamine | Used in the P2P route of manufacture |
| Phenylacetic acid (PAA) | Methamphetamine | A starting material for P2P |
| Methylamine | Methamphetamine | Reagent in the P2P route |
| MDP2P | MDMA | Direct MDMA precursor |
| Safrole | MDMA | Oil used to make MDP2P |
| Piperonal | MDMA | Alternative MDMA precursor |
Where we sample and why
We target precursors in areas where cooking, extraction or waste disposal is likely: kitchens, laundries, bathrooms, sheds, drains and outdoor dump sites. Results help a remediator plan for more than just drug residue, since manufacture can leave solvents, acids and other chemicals too.
How we test
- We discuss the history of the property or vehicle and agree which substances to target.
- A technician takes measured wipe samples from high-risk and general surfaces, photographing each location.
- Samples go to a NATA accredited laboratory under chain of custody for targeted analysis.
- Our hygienist interprets the results and you receive a report with locations, results and next steps.
Multiple drugs can be tested from one visit. Methamphetamine sampling is covered by our NATA accreditation (No. 20837). For substances without a specific Australian residential guideline, results are interpreted against the national clandestine laboratory guidelines and the circumstances of the property.
Last reviewed October 2026 by the EnviroForce team