Thirdhand Exposure to Methamphetamine Syndrome: Symptoms Resulting From Environmental Exposure to Methamphetamine Contamination Arising From Manufacture or Use

Thirdhand exposure to methamphetamine occurs through contact with environments that have become contaminated during the manufacture or use of the substance. This exposure is a serious emerging public health concern. Exposure can cause adverse health effects in unwitting residents, particularly children. As an increasing number of reports appear in the scientific literature, we propose “thirdhand exposure to methamphetamine syndrome” as a collective term to describe the various nonspecific symptoms that are related to methamphetamine exposure. This proposed term could provide a searchable keyword to facilitate the coordination of research to better understand the health-related consequences of exposure to methamphetamine that result from its manufacture and use.