Methamphetamine-related burns in the cornbelt.

Methamphetamine (MA) is a highly addictive drug that is easily manufactured from everyday household products and chemicals found at local farm stores. The proliferation of small MA labs has led to a dramatic increase in patients sustaining thermal injury while making and/or using MA. We hypothesized that these patients have larger injuries with longer hospital stays, and larger, nonreimbursed hospital bills compared with burn patients not manufacturing or using MA.

Pseudoephedrine legislation decreases methamphetamine laboratory-related burns.

Pseudoephedrine (PSE) is one of the main ingredients used to manufacture methamphetamine (MA); approximately 700 to 1000 PSE pills are necessary to "cook" a batch of MA. Steps have been taken to decrease the availability of ingredients needed to concoct MA. On May 21, 2005, the state of Iowa enacted a strict law, making PSE a Schedule V Controlled substance, restricting PSE availability, and sales.