Is it true that if you answer your cell phone at a gas bar it can cause an explosion?

Answer 1

Anything that generates a electrical current can, in theory, create a spark, which can ingnite gas if it is a high enough concentration.

That said, the chances of this happening with a cell phone are so tiny, it is like worring about being hit by lightening twice in a row.

I was formally involved in the CTIA and there was never a reported case of this happening. Just another urban legend that folks like to talk about. And, BTW, if it were really a problem, the issue would be not just answering the phone, but also it ringing...

Answer 2

No, but it can cause a spill if you answer it while pumping fuel. If it rings, ignore it, let it go to voicemail, or let somebody else answer it while you concentrate on the safe and efficient refueling of the vehicle. Anything that distracts attention from the job of pumping gas is a danger. Gasoline is a highly volatile, flammable, poisonous, and explosive liquid, and people treat it as if they were pumping water. Frankly it scares me, because I try not to endanger the lives of others at the gas station, I don't like them endangering mine.

From the NFPA: "Pay attention to what you're doing. Pumping gas is the transfer of a hazardous substance; don't engage in other activities."
"An estimated 7,400 fires and explosions occurred at public service stations per year from 1994 through 1998. That means that, on average, one in every 13 service stations experienced a fire. These 7,400 fires caused an annual average of two civilian deaths, 70 civilian injuries and $18 million in property damage."

From Shell: "But gasoline and other fuels can also be extremely hazardous unless properly and safely handled. Accidents can happen. Accidents have happened. We don't want them to happen to you. Treat all fuels with respect."
"Never operate a cell phone while refueling. There are no documented or confirmed incidents at retail sites due to cell phone use. However, cell phones and other battery operated equipment should not be used at the pumps as they may be a potential ignition source for any fumes. But more importantly, cell phones pose a distraction from the important business of refueling and can lead to possible spills and accidents."
"Just a single cup of gasoline, when ignited, has the same explosive power as five sticks of dynamite.
Even aside from the explosion potential, gasoline is dangerous stuff. Spilled on the skin, it removes natural oils and fats. The skin dries and cracks and secondary infections may follow. Gasoline vapours can cause dizziness, vomiting, unconsciousness, even death, if inhaled in strong enough concentrations.
And it's still flammable, even when it's dried on clothing or shoes - or on the skin.
All of this means that gasoline is extremely hazardous if handled incorrectly."

Answer 3

You shouldn't create any static at a gas station. They always recomend touching something to release any static on you before you get out & pump. I'm not sure if its true that it could create an explosion but who would want to take the chance of it happening? I worked at a gas station & we had the authority to shut down that persons pump if they were using a cell phone or any other electrical device. I wouldn't chance it.

Answer 4

It is true that if you have your cell phone powered on (wether or not you answer it) at a gas station (that's what we call them here in the U.S.A.), that it can cause an explosion. However, it requires the right atmospheric conditions.

The chance is slim, but the consequences are great. I'm not sure what the odds are, but they are low. However, if you have a 1% chance of death - if you're in that 1%, you're 100% dead.

Answer 5

Obviously a "gas bar" is a gas island so to speak or a gas station where the pumps are located.

Yes, it can be true...how likely that it will actually happen to you? Well, how many times have you seen it reported on the news. I see people using their cell phones all the time at gas stations. Myth busters need to test this one!

Answer 6

I have heard that the static electricity built up around a cell could ignite gas fumes at a gas pump. Whats a gas bar?

Answer 7

they scientifically tested this myth on the show "MythBusters" and were not able to get the fumes to spark no matter how hard they tried... even with a signal 100x stronger than a regular cell phone!

"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."

Answer 8

My hubby answered his cell phone while pumping gas and nothing. Also Mythbusters, a show on the discovery channel, challenged that myth and nothing happened.

http://mythbustersresults.com/episode2

Good question, have a good day!

Answer 9

It definitely could. when u pump gas in your car, gas vapors are present, when you answer your cell phone, you commonly push a button to answer, when you push that button, you are creating a static spark in the phone. hence, static sparks and gas vapors do not mix.

Answer 10

no a cellphone will not start a fire if you are using it while fueling up , you are more likely to start a fire if you start fueling your vehicle then get in the vehicle and sit down inside it while it fills up the static electricity you build up getting in and out off the vehicle will can result in a spark as you remove the fuel nozzle form your vehicle