West Virginia Code Chapter 60A. Uniform Controlled Substances Act § 60A-11-1. Legislative findings and purpose

(a) Findings. -- The Legislature finds that some residential and business properties are being used for the consumption, production and manufacture of illegal drugs resulting in contamination with hazardous chemical residues. These illegal laboratories present an immediate and ongoing danger to public health and safety. Innocent members of the public may be harmed when they are exposed to the chemical residues if the property is not decontaminated prior to subsequent rental, sale or use of the property.

(b) Purpose. -- The purpose of this article is to protect the public health, safety and welfare by designating the Department of Health and Human Resources as the state agency to set forth standards for the remediation of clandestine drug laboratories.