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Hernando Today

New Warning Issued About Propane Tanks

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By KYLE MARTIN

Published: June 26, 2008

Before firing up the grill this summer, take a close look at the nozzle on the propane tank.

If it's greenish blue or has a strong chemical smell, there's a good chance anhydrous ammonia was the last gas in the tank, according to the National Propane Gas Association.

Anhydrous ammonia is one of many dangerous ingredients in the illegal narcotic methamphetamine, along with lye, battery acid, rubbing alcohol and starter fluid. The gas is also corrosive, so it cracks and weakens the propane tank's brass valve and creates a potentially explosive situation.

If you discover your tank has been compromised, immediately call 911. It can be dangerous to move a corroded tank, but, if necessary, keep the valve tilted in a safe direction away from people and property.

There's also the possibility that there is still anhydrous ammonia leftover in the tank. The gas can burn both the skin and the lungs, so use caution.

While the threat is real, it remains unclear how widespread the problem is. Similar warnings have been issued across the country, but a general search on the Internet didn't turn up any reports of compromised tanks exploding.

Realistically, it's doubtful that recycled tanks holding anhydrous ammonia are making the rounds in great numbers for two reasons. One, it's not likely that a meth user would return the tank for a fill up unless they happened to need propane. Secondly, the telltale signs of a corroded tank could tip off merchants there is a criminal in the store, according to truthorfiction.com.

Snopes.com, a fact-checking Web site that tests the validity of mass e-mails, adds that honest vendors would not knowingly put a dangerous propane tank into customers' hands.

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com.

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