Kids Not Exposed To Meth Chemicals

Children at a Spokane Valley day care where a drug lab was found last month weren’t exposed to hazardous chemicals, health officials said Wednesday.

Chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine were similar to those found in common household cleansers and not as harmful as previously thought, said David Swink, county environmental health director.

Five children between the ages of 2 and 6 were present when masked detectives raided the state-licensed Jack and Jill Day Care, 1205 N. Adams.

The adjoining garage, which housed the lab, was declared unfit for use and nailed shut following the Dec. 21 raid.

Health officials determined later that chemicals weren’t tracked into the house. Children were not allowed inside the garage, and no medical problems have been reported.

Authorities removed quantities of the decongestant ephedrine, flammable red phosphorous and iodine from the garage.

Ronald L. Acre, 41, has been charged with manufacturing, possessing and delivering methamphetamime and is being held in the Spokane County Jail.

A Feb. 14 trial is scheduled.

Acre and his wife, Karen, who has not been charged, ran the day care. The state Department of Social and Health Services has prohibited the center from reopening.

, DataTimes