Is it dangerous to use my cell phone at the gas pump?

Question

I’ve heard conflicting information about this claim—some college researchers have concluded there is not evidence static electricity from you cell phone can ignite an explosion, yet gas stations I frequent seem to display signs “do not use mobile phones in this area”. What's the story here? Thank you Yahoo!

Answer 1

No, there has NEVER been a documented case of a cell phone EVER igniting the fumes from a gasoline pump. This is a long-standing urban legend. Static electricity is NOT an issue with cell phones!

There have been cases of static electricity causing fires at fuel pumps. Normally it is in cold weather. Typically the driver starts the pump and goes back into the car to stay warm. Getting into and out of the car WILL build up a static charge. If you reach for the nozzle before grounding yourself, a static spark can result and if conditions are right a fire will result.

It is also possible to generate a static charge when filling portable gas cans if they are not placed on the ground first. If left in the vehicle, static electricity will build up between the nozzle and the gas can. This is most likely to occur if the can is made of plastic but metal ones can caust this as well.

Multiple deaths have been recorded with fires triggered by static electricity, but NONE of these have EVER been triggered by a cell phone.

Here are some links:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/05/cell_fires.html

http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl-cellphone-gas-fires.htm

http://www.snopes.com/autos/hazards/gasvapor.asp

And a link for the real cause of fuel station fires -- our old friend, Static Electricity:

http://www.snopes.com/autos/hazards/static.asp

Answer 2

I remember seeing a video that was being emailed around, showing a young woman who's cell phone started to ring while she was pumping gas, and the thing caught on fire. It is probably a case where the energy from the CELL PHONE's vibrate more set it off.

I mean, she simply dropped the gas pump nozzle and ran away. The pump shutoff right away, so there was no horrific explosion. BUT this was from the internet... WHO KNOWS what is FAKE.

So I leave the Cell phone INSIDE the car when I pump gas. You see, it probably isn't dangerous to TALK, but it is a danger if it RINGS.

It does not vibrate when I am ON the phone, so if I am talking to someone, I am probably safe.

Answer 3

I think the danger from cell phones at the gas pump has been disproved, but those warning signs were up before they knew. Better safe than sorry is probably the thinking behind them now. What is dangerous is getting in and out of the car while fueling. That can build up a static electricity charge which could trigger an explosion.

Answer 4

I worked at a gas station and we were told not to let people use their cell phones at the pump. In rare instances the phone has been capable of making a spark and igniting the gasoline. The chance is very small but there is still a chance.

Answer 5

true or not true.. and god i LOVE Mythbusters!! most warning are to cover the butt of the company incase something ever does happen they can say.. We told you so.. and not pay out on any wrongful death lawsuits.
They say also that you shouldn't start to pump your gas. get back in your car. and then go finish off your fueling. They say again you can build up static and cause a fire. This generally isn't a posted thing. But since i have recently moved to states where i have to pump my own fuel (i grew up in Oregon) i have more time to read the signs.

The question you need to ask yourself.. Is that phone call really worth your body making the 5 o'clock news?

Answer 6

"Manufacturers have said there is a risk

It's always tempting to dismiss "pass it on" rumors as bunk, but the fact is that mobile phone manufacturers have warned consumers in the past against using the devices near gas pumps. This is an excerpt from a Motorola brochure for the Satellite Series 9500 Portable Telephone:

[T]his telephone has not been designed or approved for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere are often, not always, clearly marked.
Potentially explosive atmospheres include:
Fueling areas such as gasoline stations
Below deck on boats
Fuel or chemical transfer or storage facilities
Vehicles using liquefied petroleum gas such as propane
Areas where the air contains chemicals or particles such as grain dust or metal powders and
Any other area where you would normally be advised to turn off your engine.

Sparks in such area would cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or even death.

No laughing matter, apparently, nor should we suppose Motorola is trying to pull our legs. Similar cautions have been issued by other manufacturers, though industry spokesmen have more recently begun downplaying them, saying the actual risk is very slim, especially with newer and better-constructed models.

Still, in accordance with the maxim "'Tis better to be safe than sorry," signs forbidding the use of cell phones near gas pumps are becoming increasingly common in various parts of the world. Shell International explains its new policy in Asian countries thus: "Although driving whilst using a cellular phone is perfectly safe, we do not allow them to be used on the forecourt [of a service station] in case an electronic fault in the phone causes a spark." "

And, with all the recent stories of exploding phones which may be caused by "after-market" batteries, I'd rather play it safe.

Answer 7

The Mythbusters tried to get a cell phone to cause an explosion and failed to do so. I think it is just a scare tactic or maybe the cell phone disturbs the electronics of the gas pumps??

Answer 8

It is true that that story turned out to be untrue. I believe alot of gas stations have those signs up due to folks being on the phone and forgetting to pay for their gas.

Answer 9

no its just ignorant because u can make mistakes because u wasnt payin attenion. like u could go over by alot of money or u could be pumpin gas at the ground instead of in the car

Answer 10

nope