Why is it dangerous to use cell phones near petroleum fuel?

Answer 1

There's no danger anymore, but if you owned one of the original cellular phones, then there was a minimal possibility you could start a fire. The reason is that earlier cell phones used a lot more power to transmit at a much lower frequency than today's cell phones. Lower frequency RF can induce voltage as it passes through metal and cause sparks.

Answer 2

There is absolutely no danger what so ever.
The myth all started in Britain in 2001 when a man was seen using a mobile seconds before a massive explosion at his pump.So as a precaution the British government banned the use of mobiles at petrol stations and then many governments done the same.
In 2003 a British program brianiac done several experiments on this and was able to dismiss this worry as a myth.

Answer 3

Though there is no evidence that a cell phone will cause a fire, oil refineries have banned there use in sensitive areas because they are often not tested to be intrinsically safe. In a refinery, if there is the least amount of danger in the use of an electronic device it can't be used. Always stand on the side of caution.

Answer 4

There is no danger of using phones near petrolium. The only danger is that if you are filling your car, whilst on a mobile, then you are not contcentrating and could cause a spillage by overfilling your car.

Answer 5

The TV show MythBusters discredited the theory of mobile phones igniting the petrol vapors.

In reality they concluded that the petrol pump fires are associated with static electricity from people that get in and out of the car while filling up. They found that women are nearly 10 times more likely to get in and out while waiting. Their research also found that older people who get in and back out generally grab the door frame, thus grounding themselves.

As it turns out, younger women are more likely to be involved with petrol pump fires that any other group.

Below is a link to snopes.com that provides similar details.

Answer 6

The fumes may ignite when a phone connection is made, there is a small amount of static electricity produced

Answer 7

the microvaves interfere with the pumps electronics

Answer 8

i'm pretty sure it's an urban myth... there is no danger