11:23 AM Mountain Standard Time on Wednesday, November 30, 2005
By 3TV
A new study shows that methamphetamine has been a factor in one out of every five child maltreatment deaths in Arizona.
A new report conducted by the Arizona Childhood Fatality Review Team shows that 21 of the 102 child deaths last year in Arizona can be linked to a caregiver abusing meth.
Researchers working on the study said their results highlight the increasing problem with meth here in the Valley.
They said that when people are on high on meth, it's nearly impossible to focus on anything else, especially taking care of a child.
As a result of the increasing meth use, city leaders in the Valley are making it more difficult for people to purchase cold and allergy medicines.
The restrictions apply to medicines that contain pseudoephedrine, which is a key ingredient in meth.
Starting Dec. 6, buyers in Phoenix will have to show photo ID and sign a log whenever they buy cold and allergy medicines.