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Our SUNY Canton

The email address for Our SUNY Canton, the weekly faculty/staff newsletter is oursunycanton@canton.edu

Meth Lab Awareness Seminar Dec. 14, at SUNY Canton

Methamphetamine labs present the risk of severe injury for emergency personnel and recognizing and reacting to that risk will be the topic of an upcoming seminar at SUNY Canton.

SUNY Canton's Emergency Management Training Center of Northern New York (EMTCNNY) and the New York State Police will be hosting a "Meth Lab Awareness Seminar" from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14 in Payson Hall room 212.

"Clandestine Methamphetamine labs present a growing problem for unknowing emergency personnel," said Martin J. Hassett, Director of the EMTCNNY. "A firefighter or other first responder has to be prepared to battle a fierce explosion caused by a meth lab."

State Police Sergeant Dana Paduano, a notable expert in the area of covert drug labs and operations, will be presenting this seminar. This event is free and open to the public, but reservations are requested. Please call 315-386-7049 or e-mail youngm@canton.edu to reserve a seat.

In addition to the dangers of the drug itself, persons in and around meth laboratories can be exposed to hazardous substances used in meth production, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Exposure to the everyday substances used in the creation of crystal meth can occur from volatile air emissions, spills, fires, and explosions. "Many of the ingredients are explosive and/or poisonous," said Hassett.

Approximately 51 percent of injuries at meth labs happen to first responders, according to the CDC. Hassett said that this percentage can be reduced by increasing awareness about secret drug labs and how to respond to an emergency at one.

The EMTCNNY, under the leadership of SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy, strives to provide training and information to emergency personnel including volunteer firefighters, emergency medical technicians, police officers, public health officials, as well as the general public.

SUNY Canton will be marking its 100-year anniversary next year and has already begun celebrating with its highly successful SUNY Canton Centennial Campaign: Cultivating the Minds of Tomorrow. The college is transitioning from a two-year institution to a four-year college. In addition to 25 associate degree programs, SUNY Canton currently offers eight four-year degrees with plans to double that number during the next academic year. SUNY Canton also offers a Masters of Business Administration in conjunction with SUNYIT, Utica.

December 5, 2005

Media inquiries should be directed to Greg Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7527.

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