Is it really true that you shouldn't use your cell phones at a gas staton while pumping gas?

Answer 1

Visit the "Mythbusters" website.

They investigated cell phone use at gas stations, and could not cause a cell phone to spark in a way that could cause a fire. They tried experiments with a cellphone sealed in a box with gas vapors, no dice.

You are more likely to cause an explosion by discharging static electricity. It can build up on your body as you rub against the seats, and then discharge when you touch the metal handle of the pump. If gas vapors are present... fwoom.

Most states have regulations against using cell phones at gas pumps, but there is little evidence of any fires starting from phones. More lkely static discharge while holding the (completely innocent) phone...

Answer 2

It is true that very old cell phones should not be used because the static charge could possibly maybe cause a spark. Most gas stations these days have signs asking you to not use cell phones while pumping gas. I owned a station for some time and subsequently learned this bit of info.
P.S. you can discharge the static charge from your car after you pump gas: tap the nozzle inside the tank opening a few times.

Answer 3

The whole problem here is that talking on the cell phone distracts you from keeping your eye on the pump and the station's faulty hose handle with a broken shut-off. So you get to talking, your tank overflows and leaves a huge puddle of gas. Then when you drive off, you leave a trail of gas from that puddle, out to the street where somebody tosses a cigarette. It'll look like the burning fuse shown on the old Mission:Impossible TV show, and not only will it nuke the gas station, but they'll get sued by Peter Graves for copyright infringement. So play it safe and don't talk on the phone. Watch the babe at the next pump instead!

Answer 4

This question was answered on Mythbusters in their second episode of season one. The conclusion was that "A properly-working cell phone poses almost no danger of igniting gasoline, even when surrounded by gasoline vapor with the optimum fuel-air mix for ignition. The actual risk comes from an electrostatic discharge between a charged driver and the car, often a result of continually getting into and out of the vehicle."

In other words your cell phone would have to be sparking while in the optimimum fuel-air mix which only would happen if there was gasoline all over or if you were in an enclosed space. It's not going to happen unless you really try hard.

Answer 5

You should NOT use your cell phone while pumping gas at the gas station. The reason is static electricity. Other static dangers are getting back in your vehicle after pumping gas (especially in the winter), because when it is dry outside and you rub your clothing against the cloth on the seat you are building up a static charge. On the chance you should carry that charge back to the pump with you and spark at the right time when you touch the pump....BOOM!! The chances are slim, but why risk it, right?? Red gasoline containers have to be on the ground when you fill them and, yes, you should turn your engine off while pumping gas!

Answer 6

no it is ok. The dangerous thing that many people do at gas stations is get back in the car while the gas is being pumped. NEVER do this. You create large amounts of static electricity. You must touch you hand to the metal part of the car BEFORE grabbing the gas nozzle again. Otherwise, the static spark will happen near your hand and the nozzle and the open refuel opening.

BOOM

Answer 7

Yes it is true. Most pumps now have the no cell phone sign and a lot of cell phone companies also warn about this.

Answer 8

Yes. The possibility of static can cause the gasoline to ignite and catch on fire. You are also supposed to touch your car or ground yourself after stepping out of your car due to the static charge. That is why they advise you not to get back into your car when you are fueling up because you will slide across the seat and not touch something to let the static charge out before putting the nozzle back on the pump.

Answer 9

Yes. But they showed this on mythbusters & it proved to be a myth. But it is posted at most pumps to turn off your cell phones.

Answer 10

that is what the warnings posted on some pumps i have seen say. i think it has something to do with the fact that a spark can be created somehow by the cell phone, triggering a fire since there is gas involved.