Grillers beware: Propane tanks used in meth labs

The threat of methamphetamine, disproportionately produced in rural areas, has a twist that might extend to people not involved with the drug -- especially at this time of year. According to the National Propane Gas Association, meth producers are pumping stolen anhydrous ammonia into used propane storage tanks. "These cylinders have been found in many states at cylinder exchange and refilling locations as well as in hotel rooms and mobile laboratories," the association says. Read more. The association re-issued a safety alert on the subject that was first issued five years ago, Dean Narciso writes for The Columbus Dispatch, reporting that the group "says it has not heard of any related injuries or death" from meth used propane tanks." Read more. (Photo from tanktraders.com)

"People should not be discouraged, however, from using propane tanks to grill, but should watch for the signs of misuse whenever purchasing one," Stanley Dunlap writes for the Jackson Sun in Tennessee. "The chance of receiving a tank used in a meth lab is remote, but people should still inspect them." Read more.

Blue Rhino, America's leading propane-tank exchanger, says its employees look for, and are trained to identify, tanks that may have been used to make meth. "Propane tanks that have been used in meth production typically have a very strong ammonia order and an obvious, extensive blue-green color covering the valve," businesswire.com reports. Tod Brown, president of Blue Rhino, says, "Of the millions of tanks processed in a year, we encounter only a very, very few tanks that may have been used in meth production." Read more.