Is it safe to use a cell phone while pumping gas? That is the question. Many people believe it is not safe to do so for a number of reasons. First, at most gas pumps is a sign that says, "No cell phones." There is one reason to believe it is not safe. The second reason is that there are cases of people using cell phones at the pump who have caught on fire. That's reason enough for me, yet many people will will argue that it is safe to use a phone at a gas pumps. Arguments can be simple as, "Well I've never seen anybody catch on fire at a gas station, and I see people using cell phones there all the time." This is certainly logical, and in all honesty, I can totally agree with that. However, this isn't to say it can't happen...
Now that we've answered the "why," let's answer the "how." How does a cell phone start a fire at a gas pump, IF it can start a fire? Some say it is the static charge that can ignite the gas fumes, and that before pumping gas, one must touch something metal to dispel the static charge before touching the gas nozzle. Others say that the radio waves can ignite, for one case shows a man's pants catching on fire as soon as his phone rang in his pocket. however, those who say it is still safe to use a phone at the pump might say, "Well, out of all the people that use phones at the pump, one person causing an accident could have been a fluke." Again, I can totally agree with this. However, for me, it's better safe than sorry
With the "why" and the "how" answered, there isn't much else needed other that perhaps the "where" and the "who." According to my research done on www.truthorfiction.com, a worker from a shell gas station gives a few cases of accidents occurring at the pump with cell phone use. In one, a man's phone rang and fumes from the tank simultaneously ignited. In another, a man's pants caught on fire as his phone rang in his pocket, and another man suffered facial burns while talking on his phone at the pump. My other source, Center4research.com, flat out is against any phones at the pump, and gives many precautions regarding cell phones before pumping gas. My side of the arguement, is clear, though I tried to stay unbiased. With all these reported accidents, you should ask yourself, "Is it worth possibly getting a serious burn? Or can the conversation wait?"
