Cellphones & Gassing Up: Bad Combination?

[Wadcutter]

Isn't it true that you're not supposed to use your cellphone while gassing up due to the danger of static electricity from the cell igniting gas fumes? I saw some guy today using his cell while gassing up and I told him I thought you weren't supposed to do that for the reason I just mentioned. He told me that that was a bunch of bull and pretty much implied that I should mind my own business. Is this cellphone/gassing up danger an "urban legend" or is this actually true?

[HHP]

This guy obviously got a call and answered it.

[Bucc5207]

It's true that many people say not to do it.

Personally, I think it's nonsense, most likely created by insurance company lawyers. I bet you can find a Mythbusters episode about it. Cell phone radio waves won't cause fuel ignition, and cell phones don't generate static charge accumulation. Probably the biggest danger of using a cell phone while fueling up is that you aren't paying attention to the pump.

That said, it's always good practice to ground yourself by touching an unpainted piece of metal before you touch the fuel nozzle.

[harmonics101]

People that answer cell phones while doing something else , prime candidates for Darwin Award , or examples that you can't do two things well at the same time , it tells me a lot about these sort of folk ,

H

[Basalt Beach]

Urban Legend per SNOPES

http://www.snopes.com/autos/hazards/gasvapor.asp

[The Growler]

Urban legend, BUT it is illegal in some locations. So... probably best to pass.

[Staredge]

Mythbusters did do an episode, and couldn't get anything to happen. I text occasionally, but that's about it. The possibility is there, but requires a perfect storm of problems to occur before anything would happen.

[BoneDigger]

I have never had my cell phone "spark" in any way. If it did so, I would get a new one.

Todd

[Silly Moustache]

What never ceases to amaze me is the addiction that so many have for using or more likely playing with mobile phones at all times.

Whenever I see one of these addicts - disregarding their offspring on/by busy roads, whilst driving, or whilst walking around in a beautiful landscape, or whilst attending a theatre or concert, that their life must be so unbearable that reality must be avoided at all times.

[D. Shelton]

My recommendation would be not to use the phone while you're down by the
gas tank sniffing fumes , but otherwise , don't worry about it. IIRC, Mythbusters busted this one .

[Gasworker]

But... There is a risk of static discharge if you are gassing up and touch your car.

[RedJoker]

Originally Posted by Gasworker

But... There is a risk of static discharge if you are gassing up and touch your car.

Good point. We should ban cars at gas stations.

[zabdart]

The latest rumor I've heard is that they have developed a successful surgical procedure for removing cell phones from some people's ears.

[unimogbert]

............

[Wadcutter]

I'll tell you what probably is a bigger hazard, not using hand sanitizer after handling that nasty gas handle & nozzle. I read somewhere that the surfaces of those nozzle handles probably has every microbe known to man on it.