Police officers receive comprehensive training in many areas of law enforcement. Very few police officers, however, have expertise in fire-fighting, chemistry, bomb handling techniques, and hazardous waste disposal, and clandestine drug laboratories pose deadly threats in all of these areas. Since 1995, at least three laboratory suspects have been killed in explosions or by poison chemical incidents each year, with many more receiving serious burns or other injuries due to fires. In addition, reports of property damage and injuries to citizens from laboratory disasters have increased throughout the United States. The effects of methamphetamine are discussed, as well as methamphetamine production and trafficking. Chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine and products commonly found in laboratories are noted. Environmental issues associated with the production of methamphetamine are considered, the importance of safety training for police officers involved in laboratory raids is emphasized, and fundamental rules of chemical safety are addressed. 7 endnotes, 1 table, and 3 photographs