Science Questions

Why are you not allowed to use a mobile phone in a petrol station ? Phil, Cambridge

There have been a number of stories in the past about mobiles

causing explosions of garage forecourts, but as far as we know, none of them have ever been substantiated. The chief concern is that if, whilst someone is using a mobile, the battery were to fall out, it could

theoretically produce a spark across the contacts capable of causing an explosion. The same risk actually also applies to other battery-powered items including walkmans for instance.

July 2002