why can't you talk on a cell phone when your at a gas station?

Answer 1

Yep, everyone here is right about the little spark. That's why they also say that you're not supposed to get in and out of your car while you're pumping gas because static electricity can build on your clothes from the car seat, especially in cold weather. It would be like 4th of July on Christmas. :)

Answer 2

While the static electricity thing is true. The fumes would have to be much more than your standard gas station to create an explosion. Those rules are there for the extreme what if scenario so no one can sue. Think about it gas stations could blow up anytime a phone rings due to the static electricity.

Some carriers sell 'intrinsically safe' (more or less airtight) phones to companies that work around extreme flammable fume scenarios. Defense contractors that test missles and things are a great example of people who need these types of phones.

The moral is, no cell phones while having a Zoolander gas fight and be courteous if anyone around you is a little paranoid and not taking chances.

Answer 3

They say that if you initiate a call it somehow can create a spark just like if you have static and touch the pump while getting out of your car it can possibly cause a spark up. Just cause of the static electricity from the phone and vehicle. Some say its an urban myth but others say its not. I was on my phone one time pumping gas and some lady started shaking her head at me and I was like whats your problem! And she then told me it was a hazard. So I guess it is because on some gas stations you see the cell phone with a circle and x over it.

Answer 4

...."gas stations could blow up anytime a phone rings due to the static electricity."

Static electricity? From a transeceiver (cell 'phone)?

A radio transmitter doesn't emit, or cause, static electricity. It transmits an electromagnetic wave.

The cell 'phone's radiation will be picked up in any conductive parts of the gas pump and r.f. currents will be induced in it - just as they will be in the vehicle's body.

These currents can cause voltages, across gaps in conductive items, which are high enough to produce a spark.

Answer 5

static electricity build up could cause a spark and ignite the gasoline.

Answer 6

static electricity from phone can ignite fumes and gas. BIG BOOM!

Answer 7

someone said you would blow up, I don't think so.