Manufacturing methamphetamine is an incredibly dangerous activity, for those making the drug or anyone coming into contact with it. For some, the chemicals used to manufacture it can act as a poison.

For children they can be deadly, even if the child is no where near the lab.

Kitchens, sheds, or even car trunks; name a place and it’s likely someone’s made a makeshift meth lab there.

“We actually have had situations in other states and in Wisconsin, where the parents hid the drug lab in the kids bedroom because they figured the cops would be less likely to look in there,” said Special Narcotics Agent David Forsythe, with the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

But no matter where a meth user decides to set up shop, the toxicity of the lab is no different. Up high, down low, behind closed doors, it is not any less lethal to children, toddlers and infants in the home.

Many times those who make meth labs store their chemical mixtures in unlabeled food and drink containers within easy reach of children, but that’s not all.

Even if children are no where near the chemicals themselves, meth becomes airborne in the cooking process and can contaminate an entire home, getting into children’s clothing, hair and even their toys.

"Obviously, kids are just going to be grabbing that and hugging it and grabbing the pacifier and sticking it in their mouths," Forsythe said.

That puts them at risk for contamination, serious injuries and even deadly accidents.

The toxic effects are even more dangerous for children because their brains are still developing, and they absorb the chemicals more quickly.

And, as you know, toddlers get into everything and put everything in their mouths. They’re curious, they’re trusting, and they’re powerless to protect themselves.

“The younger, the more they’re affected because they can’t do anything,” Forsythe said. “They’re just there. I mean especially if it’s a baby.”

That leaves the children of meth-makers and meth-users incredibly vulnerable. When parents choose meth over caring for their children, it’s the children who pay the highest price.

Click on the link below to find out what suspicious activities indicate meth may be in your neighborhood.

If you feel a child may be in danger, please call your local law enforcement agency immediately.