Cellphones don't cause explosions at the pumps

Cory Doctorow 10:34 am Tue Mar 25, 2003

You know those warnings about sparks from ringing cellphones setting off gas-fumes at the pumps? Lies, all lies.

Renkes said he noticed in the e-mail rumor's most recent incarnation a link drawn between cell-phone use and static electricity. Cell-phone use, he said, does not cause fires, but in rare circumstances a static discharge can create a spark at the gas pump.

For example, Renkes has documented instances in which motorists get back in their cars while refueling. When they get out of the car to replace the nozzle, they discharge static electricity — a potentially dangerous combination in proximity to the gas tank. Renkes said no link between cell-phone use and static discharge exists, howeve

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(via Gizmodo)

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