Summer safety propane alert

Safety and awareness is being encouraged in the US concerning propane gas tanks, as possible incorrect filling of the tanks corrodes these and presents a clear hazard to potential users.

Methamphetamine cooks are buying propane tanks from the exchanges at Wal-Mart, Kroger, and emptying them of the propane gas. Then they fill the propane tanks with anhydrous ammonia, with which they now have a recipe to cook Methamphetamine.

After they are finished with the propane tanks, they return them to the store, where these are refilled with propane gas accordingly, unknowing that the improper substance had been inserted into the tanks. The tanks are then sold to consumers, unaware of the possible hazards presented by the previous incorrect usage.

Anhydrous ammonia is very corrosive and weakens the structure of the tank, while it is also potentially dangerous when mixed with propane gas and hooked up to a grill, or recreation vehicle.

Users are urged to inspect the propane tank for any blue or greenish residue around the valve areas, if there is any sign of which there is advice not to purchase the propane tank and advise the vendor of the findings.