Propane tank safety tip

You may have heard that methamphetamine makers use propane cylinders filled with anhydrous ammonia (NH3), which is needed to make the drug, then recycle them through propane exchange retail locations where they could end up on your trailer or attached to your barbecue.

 The issue is safety, since the ammonia is extremely corrosive to the brass valves and fittings of the tank, and develops a greenish or bluish corrosion (see photo) around the valves. It also weakens the structure of the tank. Do not purchase--or use--a tank that has such corrosion or residue.

However, it is unlikely that meth dealers would return such tanks to exchange locations since the evidence of NH3 is obvious and would result in their arrest, and all propane companies know not to fill such a tank. But,  it would be wise to visually check the valves when purchasing or hooking up a tank. Learn more and read this safety alert from the National Propane Gas Association.