The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been
alerted to recent reports and rumors that suggest it is dangerous to use a
wireless phone while filling your vehicle with gas or in the presence of
flammable materials.
The rumors and reports may be fueled by warnings posted
at gas stations or included in wireless phone owners’ manuals suggesting that
wireless phones should not be used around fuel vapors.
There is no evidence that these reports are true.
One of the rumors circulating describes incidents where
consumers are injured by fires or explosions when they use their cell phones
at gas stations. In these stories, a fire was reportedly ignited or an
explosion occurred when an individual answered a ringing cell phone.
Supposedly, an electrical spark from the phone ignited a fire or caused an
explosion.
The wireless industry has done studies on the potential
for wireless phones to create sparks that could possibly ignite flammable
materials. The studies generally conclude that while it may be theoretically
possible for a spark from a cell phone battery to ignite gas vapor under very
precise conditions, there is no documented incident where the use of a
wireless phone was found to cause a fire or explosion at a gas station.
While any potential threat by wireless devices is
very remote, there are potential ignition sources at gas stations like
automobiles and static electricity. The wireless industry suggests wireless
phone users should always consult their owner’s manuals for information on the
use of the phone and should follow all posted instructions at gas stations.
Scientific testing, however, has not established a
dangerous link between wireless phones and fuel vapors. Wireless phone
manufacturers and fuel companies have issued these warnings as a precaution.
If you have questions about your wireless phone, contact your wireless phone
company.
For More Information
For information about other communications issues,
visit the FCC’s Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau Web site at
www.fcc.gov/cgb, or contact the FCC’s Consumer Center by
e-mailing fccinfo@fcc.gov; calling
1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322)
TTY; faxing 1-866-418-0232; or writing to:
Federal Communications
Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554.
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Federal Communications Commission · Consumer
& Governmental Affairs Bureau · 445 12th St. S.W. ·
Washington, DC 20554 |
1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) ·
TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) · Fax: 1-866-418-0232 · www.fcc.gov/cgb/
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