There have been recent incidents at four other public libraries in Colorado involving methamphetamine contamination inside one of their public restrooms. Though there was no known exposure at any PPLD facility, Library leadership decided to take proactive action to ensure the safety and well-being of patrons and staff.
As a precautionary measure, PPLD contracted with a vendor certified by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) to conduct screening tests inside public restrooms at select Library locations in early February. PPLD has been working closely with El Paso County Public Health on this matter.
Samples of several public restrooms in Penrose Library showed they had been meth-affected above the maximum threshold the state has set for residential buildings. As a result, Penrose Library and Moblie Library Services will be closed to allow for additional testing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meth Contamination Testing
Why did the Library screen for meth contamination?
There have been recent incidents at four other public libraries in Colorado involving methamphetamine contamination inside one of their public restrooms. Though there was no known exposure at any PPLD facility, Library leadership decided to take proactive action to ensure the safety and well-being of patrons and staff.
What were the results of the most recent tests?
The results from the recent screenings determined that a few restrooms within the select Library locations had been “meth affected”.
Samples of several public restrooms in Penrose Library showed they had been meth-affected above the maximum threshold the state has set for residential buildings. Additionally, samples taken from East Library showed one restroom (the upper-level men’s bathroom) contained contamination that measured above the minimum limit.
The next level of testing, the preliminary assessment level, will identify the specific locations within those restrooms that are affected and at what levels. Penrose Library and Mobile Library Services will be closed to accommodate this testing, as will the affected restroom at East Library.
Is meth everywhere or just the restrooms?
KEMWest, Inc. will be reviewing Penrose Library’s spaces to determine if other adjacent areas of the Library need to be tested by viewing the HVAC venting and where the highest levels of contamination are located. East Library's levels were not as high as Penrose's, so this more extensive testing of surrounding areas is not necessary.
Are the levels dangerous?
Library leadership wants to ensure the safety and well-being of patrons and staff, and they are working closely with El Paso County Public Health on this matter.
According to information received from El Paso County Public Health, health risks are low for those in public settings unless there’s been a prolonged secondary exposure to methamphetamine, such as breathing air or touching surfaces where meth has been used. Common symptoms from an extended exposure to meth residue include watery red, and burning eyes; irritation of the mucus membranes, especially in the nose and throat; and skin irritations, redness, and rashes. Because the Penrose levels were higher, it was suggested that the immediately adjacent areas be tested. East Library's levels were not as high as Penrose's, so this more extensive testing is not necessary.
Why is additional testing required?
Some of the results from the initial screening of the bathrooms automatically triggered the need to move to the next level of testing. PPLD is currently following the CDPHE 6 CCR 1014-3 regulations for residential dwellings, as there are no state regulations for public entities currently. The next test will determine the levels of contamination in specific areas and tell us exactly where the contamination is.
Will PPLD test other libraries? If not, why?
Initially, we thought and reported that it would be necessary to conduct screening tests inside 53 public restrooms across the Library District. However, state authorities currently do not have standards or guidelines for assessing contamination levels in public restrooms. We also consulted with a state-certified vendor, El Paso County Public Health, and other Colorado libraries that recently conducted preliminary assessments.
With more information and guidance, Library leadership re-evaluated options and decided to screen public restrooms at PPLD locations with the highest number of patron visits, which are East Library, Library 21c, and Penrose Library, We do not intend to test any additional locations.
How long will Penrose Library be closed?
It depends on the results of additional testing, but we expect it to be closed for a minimum of one week.
How does PPLD plan to prevent this from continuing to happen?
We plan to install environmental sensors inside all public restrooms in the District in the coming weeks. These sensors can detect a change in air quality, including smoke and vapor, and alert Library staff of a possible incident. This will be in addition to security officers who patrol and check public restrooms, along with PPLD’s cleaning protocols for Library spaces.
The safety and wellbeing of its patrons and staff remain a top priority for the Library District.
If you have any questions about this incident, please contact Denise Abbott, Chief Communications Officer - dabbott@ppld.org or (310) 430-0496