THERE IS A NEW WARNING OUT ABOUT a dangerous and potentially explosive hazard associtated with portable propane cylinders.  Please read carefully the following information from the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA):

Propane cylinders commonly used on gas barbecue grills are being used by persons in the manufacture of methamphetamines. These individuals are using the cylinders for the transport and storage of stolen anhydrous ammonia, a key element in the making of the drug. 

Cylinders used for this purpose have been found in many states, including Mississippi, at cylinder exchange and refilling locations as well as in hotel rooms and mobile laboratories.

A blue-green stain on any brass portion of a service valve is evidence that it may have been in contact with anhydrous ammonia, which is a corrosive. The ammonia will deteriorate the brass valves and fittings located inside the cylinders, turning them into a potentially explosive hazard. (Note: Sherwood valves contain a green coated valve stem. Additionally, a green thread sealing compound is used on some valves. These valves should not be confused with those that have been exposed to anhydrous ammonia.)

 The pungent odor of ammonia on or near a cylinder is also an indication. If you suspect that a propane cylinder contains or has contained anhydrous ammonia, exercise extreme caution and restrict access to the area.  

Anhydrous ammonia can be extremely dangerous to human health. It can also be dangerous to move a cylinder suspected of having contained anhydrous ammonia, due to the unknown integrity of the cylinder’s service valve. 

If you determine that it must be moved, keep in mind that hazards due to valve expulsion can be reduced by pointing the end of the container in which the valve is placed away from yourself and others and towards the most safe direction.

 Firegeezer adds:  More and more people are using exchange stations instead of refilling their own cylinders now.  So these suspect valves can eventually work their way throughout the community.  Hopefully, the propane firms that refill the cylinders are training their employees to check for and recognize the indications of failure.  But you know how that goes.  Watch out for yourself whenever you are on an incident involving one of these portable cylinders.

If any of our readers come across one of these, please get a picture of it and send it to us with a narrative of the event.

Nashville TV station WSMV ran this excellent report a few weeks ago:

NPGA WEBSITE  page for Safety and Training Programs.

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