Why is using cell phones dangerous at gas stations?
In: Technology
It generally isn’t, however my understanding of the threat vector is that it was the rf energy being emitted by the cellphone that was potentially dangerous. Keep in mind the frequency, power, and transport mechanisms have changed from when this guidence was more widespread. We are on 5g now right? I believe there are no 1g or 2g networks operating in the US anymore.
It went hand in hand with the guidance for working around explosives (the thought being that rf may induce enough current in a firing circuit to initiate it).
ETA: if you were around back then, maybe you remember cell phones that would cause speakers to make a noise if you put the cell phone close to it?
That noise was caused by rf energy from the phone inducing small currents in the speaker wires. Now, imagine doing that with an arc producing device that just so happens to be near the gas pump.
Latest Answers