Find out the truth about using cell phones at gas stations. First of all, is there a real risk of explosions or is it just a myth? Learn the facts, scientific studies and expert opinions to better understand this issue.
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Safe Use In and Around Pumps
The debate over the dangers of using cell phones at gas stations raises questions about safety. However, Michael Marando of the National Fire Protection Association says there is no risk in using a cell phone while refueling.
However, when you move away from your car and approach the pump, paying attention to refueling first, rather than talking on the phone, minimizes potential risks.
Theoretical Risk: Cell Phone and Fuel Vapor
The Legal Fuel Institute cites studies that indicate the safety of using a cell phone inside a car while refueling. However, there is a small risk near the pump, where there is a concentration of fuel vapor. This risk increases if the cell phone falls to the ground.
José Roberto Manhães, Health, Safety and Environment coordinator at Raízen, emphasizes the importance of avoiding the use of smartphones in the external fueling area of the station, in order to minimize risks.
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Myths and Truths: History and Scientific Studies about Gas Stations
The warning about using cell phones at gas stations first emerged in the US in 1999, after an incident allegedly linked to Indonesia. However, the US FCC found no evidence of such a case, despite the battery spark theory.
The Mythbusters program investigated this possibility and concluded that cell phone use does not cause explosions at gas stations. Static sparks, generated by static electricity when entering and exiting the vehicle, are more common.
Prioritize Safety
Above all, despite the rumors, scientific evidence suggests that cell phones are not a common cause of explosions at gas stations. Even so, experts recommend avoiding using the device in outdoor areas while refueling, with all certainty, prioritizing safety.
Understanding the limits and precautions at gas stations allows consumers to proceed with their activities in advance with awareness and safety. As a result, unnecessary risks are minimized.
See also: Caution: Prolonged Cell Phone Use in the Bathroom May Affect Your Health
