MAYOR WARNS RESIDENTS OF DANGERS OF BUYING TAMPERED PROPANE TANKS
Harrisburg, PA – Mayor Stephen R. Reed today warned residents that illegal methamphetamine producers in the area have been using propane gas tanks, acquired or rented from stores, to hold and store anhydrous ammonia, a chemical used in the processing of the illegal drugs.
The tanks are emptied of the propane gas and then filled with anhydrous ammonia. Once they are finished storing the anhydrous ammonia, the methamphetamine producers return them to the store to be refilled with propane gas and resold to other customers.
The Mayor said the danger comes from the fact that anhydrous ammonia is very corrosive and weakens the structure of the tank, essentially increasing the risk of explosion when used with grilling devices or other uses.
Reed encouraged any persons buying or renting a propane tank from a store to inspect the propane tank for corrosion related to the storage of anhydrous ammonia. The tanks will likely have a blue-green stain on any brass portion of a valve. He said a pungent odor of ammonia on or near the cylinder is also an indication.
The Mayor urged anyone purchasing a newly-refilled propane tank to inspect the propane tank for these conditions. If they are present, the purchaser should refuse to purchase that particular tank.
For more information or to see picture of anhydrous ammonia-corroded brass valves, visit http://www.npga.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=529_.
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