March 20, 2005
Mobile Dangers at Petrol Stations Dismissed
Further confirmation that a spark from a phone could ignite petrol fumes is nothing but myth, according to a paper to be presented later this week, reports the scotsman. And interesting, "reported incidents were seemingly caused by the discharge of static electricity from the body igniting fumes".
"The “phantom risk” has apparently been created through a heady mix of rumour spread by the internet and word of mouth, and excessive concerns over safety.
Dr Adam Burgess, of the University of Kent, will tell the annual conference of the British Sociological Association that not one of the 243 petrol station fires attributed to mobiles worldwide in 11 years was actually the result of such a spark.
Instead, many were found on investigation by BP's fire safety officer Richard Coates to have been caused by the discharge of static electricity from the body igniting fumes.
“The petrol station/mobile phone story crosses into the realm of rumour and urban legend,” Dr Burgess said. “It's properly groundless, a story of health and safety gone mad.
“Even on an oil rig the only real reason not to use a mobile is because of the issue of distraction.”
Hopefully, someone will forward this information to State Sen. Andrea Stillman, D-Waterford, who is trying to pass a bill that would impose a $250 fine on people who use their cellular phones while pumping gas". cf Lawmaker: Hang Up And Pump Your Gas Or Pay Fine
Actually, a paper called The Day, from New London, CT, published a letter to the Editor over the weekend, suggesting readers write to the Senator to inform her her bill was based on a hoax.
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