why are there signs asking to switch off your mobile phones at gas stations ?

Question

Is there really any risk of igniting a fire by answering a cell phone at a gas station ? And if so what can cause that risk ? does it mean cell phones should be switched off at other potentially hazardous locations too ?

Answer 1

A cellular phone includes a radio transmitter. The intense near-field electromagnetic fields can induce a spark which can ignite a fire. The risk is extremely low, but it's not zero. It can transmit at any time, not just when you're answering it or talking on it. Smoking a single cigarette is very unlikely to cause cancer. Closing your eyes for 5 seconds while driving is unlikely to cause an accident. Just how important is that cell phone to you during the 2 minutes you're at the gas station?

A 20-100 watt transmitter in an area where blasting caps are used is a significant danger. There, a cell phone is not.

Answer 2

Urban legend of a cell phone causing an explosion. Mythbusters on the Discovery channel tried to replicate the myth and their best efforts failed, failed, failed. They did find that it was muich more likely a spark from static jumping from your clothes after you removed the gas cap. EVen though a myth, enough people believe it that you see these signs posted sometimes.

Answer 3

There's a myth sorta thing out there that a cell phone battery can cause a static shock and make the place blow up, but it's been proven false.

Answer 4

BS, your car igniter, sparkplugs, car battery and starter are more likely to generate a fire starting spark than a cell phone or cell phone battery.

Answer 5

they spark when the are opened and can ignite a fire i just rcvd an e mail on this from my mother

Answer 6

i dont think it can cause fire