Do Cell Phones Really Blow up Gas Pumps?

Question

I work at a convenience store that has self-serve gas pumps, and I'm a little nervous about the number of people who get our of their cars and pump gas while using cell phones. Can they really cause the pumps to blow up? Nobody at work can give me a straight answer, help!

Answer 1

Cell phone myths busted:

Anyone with an email address has probably received the forwarded warning about not using your cell phone while pumping gas or you may explode. Or how about the one about the woman who was pulled over by a cop – but she didn't press #677 on her cell phone to confirm it was really an officer – and it turned out to be a killer in disguise?

So we here at Sympatico / MSN's Tech & Gadgets decided to get to the bottom of these urban myths to see if there is any truth to them, as well as other so-called 'facts' about cell phones we wanted to confirm.
We turned to Marc Choma, Director of Communications at the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) in Ottawa, who was more than happy to chat with us (via his cell phone, of course). Here's what we found:

Sympatico / MSN: Can you blow yourself up by using your cell phone at a gas station?

Marc Choma: No. There is no scientific evidence to support this common misconception. The 'gas station' urban myth began in Indonesia and made its way to Canada. The next thing we knew the ban was in place, with signs everywhere [at gas pumps]. If you want to read Shell Oil's statement on this, you can read it here. These signs will likely remain because gas stations want you want you to pay attention while pouring gas.

Answer 2

Cell phones can and have caused fires at gas pumps.... BUT... conditions must be exactly correct for this to happen.

The cell phone usually must have a vibrating motor in it which causes small sparks inside the case. IF the phone is in close proximity to the pump nozzle and IF the phone rings at the same time as the gas is pumped and IF the air to gas ratio is exactly right near the pump .... THEN there is a slight chance of igniting the fumes.

If someone is simply talking while they are pumping gas, I wouldn't worry about it. The R.F. energy given off by the phone has no effect on fumes. The only way there is a danger is when the vibrating enhancement is turned on and someone calls.

Don't sweat the small stuff.

Answer 3

::Cell Phones Pose Fire Hazard at Gas Pump:: Netlore Archive: Hoax email warns that cell phone (mobile phone) use near gasoline pumps while refueling can cause fires or explosions Description: Email hoax Status: False Circulating since: Mid-2002 (this version) Analysis: See below ----------------------- Email example contributed by A. Achacoso, 18 Jul 2002: Subject: SAFETY ALERT - Mobile Phones and Refueling Don't mix What's the problem The Shell Oil Company recently issued a warning about three incidents where Mobile Phones have ignited fumes while being answered or ringing during fueling operations. What specifically happened Case 1 The phone was placed on the car's trunk lid during fueling, it rang and the ensuing fire destroyed the car and the gasoline pump. Case 2 An individual suffered severe burns to their face when fumes ignited as they answered a call while refueling their car. Case 3 An individual suffered burns to the thigh and groin as fumes ignited when the phone, which was in their pocket, rang while they were fueling their car. What should you learn from this? * It is a misconception that Mobile Phones are intrinsically safe and can't ignite fuel/fumes * Mobile phones that light up when switched on, or when they ring, have enough energy released to provide a spark for ignition * Mobile phones should not be used in filling stations, or when fueling lawn mowers, boats etc. * Mobile phones should not be used around other materials that generate flammable or explosive fumes or dust (i.e. solvents, chemicals, gases, grain dust etc.) * Mobile phones should be turned off before entering an area where other materials that generate flammable or explosive fumes or dust is located. Please share this with employees who do not have access to email, family members and friends to help keep everyone safe. Have a wonderful day!! ----------------------- Comments: No real-world evidence exists to support these claims. Although Internet rumors have circulated since 1999 to the effect that cell phone use near gas pumps can cause fires or explosions by igniting gasoline vapors (prompting many service stations to post warnings on their pumps), not a single case has ever been documented. According to Shell Oil, allegedly the source of the information, the email is a complete hoax and did not originate from the company. "We're not aware that there has ever been an incident where this has happened," a Shell representative told Reuters in February 2003. A mobile phone industry spokesperson labeled it an "urban legend." The earliest rumors connecting wireless phones with refueling fires have been traced back to a 1999 China Post article alleging that an Indonesian driver was badly burned when "a spark from the static electricity in the mobile [phone] ignited the petrol vapor," blowing up his car. Though never independently confirmed, the tale won credulity among cautious petroleum industry executives, in part because some cellular phone manuals shipped during the 1990s contained warnings against using the products anywhere gasoline vapors might be present. But the danger was, and is, purely theoretical. An investigation completed in 2001 by the Center for the Study of Wireless Electromagnetic Compatibility at the University of Oklahoma found "virtually no evidence to suggest that cell phones pose a hazard at gas stations." Adding to the confusion, more recent research strongly indicates that static electricity from sources other than cell phones can ignite gasoline vapors at the pump and cause vehicular fires, of which there have been many documented cases. Unfortunately, the rumor mill being what it is, this important information has been obfuscated by sketchy email alerts which persist in claiming that some of the fires were caused by "sparks" from mobile phones. Caveat lector.

Answer 4

I had to call the gas co. once, there was a leak at our apts. When they came, they had me run around to the nearest apts and make sure they knew, and did not use their cell phones until it was fixed.

Gas co. guys told me it was a slim chance, but risky none the less, at pumps as well. I am no expert, so I go with what they told me.

Answer 5

I've never personally seen this happen but I don't know something happens a little static boom I don't use em but when I worked at a convenience store I seen people smoke while pumping gas!

Answer 6

no. it's an urban myth. gas station owners heard it, bought into it, and posted signs saying not to use cells while pumping gas.

Answer 7

IF the phone falls down and IF it breaks apart and IF the battery is damaged, it COULD produce a spark that COULD indeed cause an explosion, but such a case is not very likely.

Answer 8

Pray an accept Jesus, and the gas pumps will burn in hell!! So then you dont have to worry about them.

Answer 9

no my parents talk on their cells every time they are at the pumps

Answer 10

they tested that on a tv prog over here called Braniac.-(UK)- they filled a caravan with petrol, put in like 30 cell phones & rang them all.
Nothing happened.