When used properly, anhydrous ammonia is used in farming to fertilize crops. But there is another use.

"Anhydrous ammonia is one of the re-agents used in the manufacture of methamphetamine," said Shawnee County Sheriff's Sergeant Akim Reynolds.

That's why anhydrous is being stolen from a storage plant in northwest Shawnee County.

But Reynolds says the chemical is extremely dangerous.

"If someone were to breath in the anhydrous ammonia, actually breathe in the gas, it would liquify their lungs," he said.

After thieves broke into an anhydrous tank at the plant, the chemical killed all the green grass surrounding it. And officials say if a person stealing the chemical accidentally left a valve open and let the gas escape, it would create a major disaster.

However, rather than being concerned about the actual chemical, people who live near the plant say they are more worried about a lack of security.

"I don't think they're that secured," said Eric Cray, who lives within a stones throw of the plant. "I know I could go over there and really tamper with anything I wanted to if the need arises."

Sheriff's deputies say they regularly patrol the area but constant surveillance is not practical.

"We have a person sitting doing nothing for several hours while they're watching a tank," Reynolds said.

The only solution for now has been for the company to keep the chemical in larger, more secure tanks.

"We know that it's a hazard," Reynolds said, "but we also know it's essential."

An essential part of growing new life that can also cause death.

In 2006, the Kansas government limited the amount of cold medicines people could purchase with the ingredient ephedrine, another key ingredient in meth.

Sergeant Reynolds says that has significantly reduced the meth problem in Shawnee County.