# Fucking Darwin Award candidate... **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 4, 2003, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931 "2003-12-04T13:49:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Saint\_Zero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c4cdca/32.png) [@Saint\_Zero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Zero)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/21 "2003-12-05T02:55:46Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Debaser \* > \*\*I’m no expert but… > > If it were possible to blow oneself up by smoking at a gas station, then wouldn’t somebody have already done it by now? I’ve never heard of this happenning. > > (Not that I’m saying it’s a good idea or anything.) \*\* One of those real video shows, like Real TV or Max X or something, has a clip of a guy in Wisconsin or something filling up a metal tank in the back of his truck, only to have it go _Boom_. Freaked me out, I didn’t think it’d actually happen. ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/22 "2003-12-05T06:13:30Z")
**Q.E.D.** Thank you, good info ---
**Author:** ![Creative\_Munster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/919ad9/32.png) [@Creative\_Munster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Creative_Munster)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/23 "2003-12-05T07:14:36Z")
Cut the guy a break. He was probably really drunk and just forgot to put out the cig. ---
**Author:** ![Rebo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rebo/32/13005_2.png) [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/24 "2003-12-05T14:28:23Z")
No breaks allowed. It was 6:00 am! I know it’s actually kinda difficult to do, but like several of you said, it’s _possible._ And stupid. ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/25 "2003-12-05T14:44:41Z")
I wonder if that guy ever saw Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds’… ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/26 "2003-12-05T14:51:45Z")
There was a thread about this last year, I think, and I saw a tv show that was talking about this since then - if I remember correctly, the tv show agreed with **leenmi** that while smoking around gas isn’t a great idea, getting into your car while filling up is a worse one due to the static electricity/vapour combo. ---
**Author:** ![Merijeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@Merijeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merijeek)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/27 "2003-12-05T18:52:51Z")
I must be the only person to have watched The Usual Suspects DVD with the commentary track on. They went on and on about How Fucking Hard it was to drop a cigarette into a trail of gasoline and have the gas ignite. Off the top of my head I can’t remember how they got the damned thing to light… -Joe, Unusual Suspect ---
**Author:** ![bjohn13](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ac8455/32.png) [@bjohn13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bjohn13)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/28 "2003-12-05T19:20:07Z")
As someone else from North Dakota stated, we see these dangers quite frequently here where it is often cold (you try standing outside while your pump is filling when it’s -40). The two biggest dangers while filling with gas are 1) the instant the gasoline makes contact with the fuel already in the tank and 2) the instant a person’s foot makes contact with the ground while getting out of a vehicle if the gas is already pumping. In each instance, the danger is the most severe at the instant the circuit is completed (and rubber sole shoes are no guarantee). The danger is made more severe if the vehicle is running, as the possibility of the vehicle having a hot chassis is increased. When it comes to smoking, the biggest danger is from actually lighting the cigarette. However, anyone who is stupid enough to smoke within close proximity of the pumps deserves what he gets. It’s just a shame that others have to live with the negligent behavior. ---
**Author:** ![Avarie537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/48db29/32.png) [@Avarie537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Avarie537)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/29 "2003-12-06T04:16:57Z")
[slight, yet related, hijack] During my short stint as a gas station attendant (at the oh-so-respectful age of 18), our location had no “back door” to run out for smoke breaks. So, we went to the side of the building furthest away from the pumps. Some freaked out customer one time was harrassing us about it. When my friend (the assistant manager) suggested that the lady call the fire marshall to come measure how far away from the pumps we were, she said, “Well, what about that car right there [three feet away]??? How do you know that car isn’t leaking gas!!!” “It’s MY car!” [/s,yr,h] ---
**Author:** ![maleinblack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e5b9ba/32.png) [@maleinblack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/maleinblack)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/30 "2003-12-06T13:26:33Z")
In India it is even illegal to use a cell phone at a gas station because the magnetic waves might trigger a blast. [Link](http://headlines.sify.com/434news4.html) ---
**Author:** ![county](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@county](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/county)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/31 "2003-12-06T13:34:21Z")
I don’t have a cite but my understanding is that modern pumps are designed to contain the vapors/fumes. (Eco-thing I believe) I am not saying it is a good idea to pump gas and smoke. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/32 "2003-12-06T14:33:43Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by maleinblack \* > \*\*In India it is even illegal to use a cell phone at a gas station because the magnetic waves might trigger a blast. > [Link](http://headlines.sify.com/434news4.html) \*\* I’m sorry, but that article is complete bullshit. A cell phone might trigger an explosion, but it would more likely be due to a switch opening, a battery contact disconnection or other such things that are likely to cause arcing. I guarantee that at any given time a gas station is bombarded by _much_ stronger RF emissions than any cell phone can put out. ---
**Author:** ![danceswithcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/33 "2003-12-06T16:32:15Z")
Everywhere I’ve traveled in the US, vapor recovery is part of the fuel dispensing connection. Beyond that, hoses used in gasoline delivery systems have a conductive element within their sheath to dissipate static charges which will be generated by flowing liquid in a pipe. These assemblies carry a UL listing, and sometimes the wording can be read on the exterior of the hose. Gasoline is a relatively safe product, as it has a rather narrow range of explosion. 1.4%LEL~7.6%UEL (NIOSH). Compare that to nail polish remover, the primary ingredient in which is acetone. 2.5%LEL~12.8%UEL (NIOSH). While I don’t advocate juggling lit road flares while your companion pours gasoline atop the Yugo, it’s not as Hollywood would have you think, either. Two tree rats breaking wind simultaneously will not cause the entire block to look like Hiroshima. ---
**Author:** ![maleinblack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e5b9ba/32.png) [@maleinblack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/maleinblack)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/34 "2003-12-06T20:59:25Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Q.E.D. \* > \*\*I’m sorry, but that article is complete bullshit. A cell phone might trigger an explosion, but it would more likely be due to a switch opening, a battery contact disconnection or other such things that are likely to cause arcing. I guarantee that at any given time a gas station is bombarded by _much_ stronger RF emissions than any cell phone can put out. \*\* I feel the same way.But unfortunately thats the rule here now :rolleyes:,but thankfully most of the attendents wouldnt really bother if you were using your phone when you come in for a fill.Although filling gas in an idling car is a strict no-no. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/35 "2003-12-06T21:19:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by maleinblack \* > \*\*I feel the same way.But unfortunately thats the rule here now :rolleyes:,but thankfully most of the attendents wouldnt really bother if you were using your phone when you come in for a fill.Although filling gas in an idling car is a strict no-no. \*\* Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying a cell phone couldn’t set of an explosion, just that it won’t happen because of the emitted radiation. I know of at least one case where a cell phone is blamed for setting off an explosing in an environment with some sort of flammable gas environment, either natural gas or propane, or some such. The explosion is said to have occured at the moment the technician answered his phone by flipping it open. Presumably arcing in the switch was to blame. Still, probably an unlikely enough occurence not to need a law against it. I’d call it acceptable risk. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/36 "2003-12-06T21:20:44Z")
Errr… **explosion**. ---
**Author:** ![lezlers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/258eb7/32.png) [@lezlers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lezlers)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/37 "2003-12-06T22:53:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Dolores Reborn \* > \*\*No breaks allowed. It was 6:00 am! I know it’s actually kinda difficult to do, but like several of you said, it’s _possible._ And stupid. \*\* I think he was joking. 😉 I’ve seen people do this so much, that and talking on cell phones (which I’ve never been to a gas station that didn’t have nice clear signs of cell phones with big red X’s across them for the cerreburally challenged). You guys are totally blowing my whole, pour-gasoline-all-over-an-old-building-then-take-a-drag-off-a-cig-throw-it-down-and-look-all-badass-as-I-walk-away-with-the-explosion-behind-me fantasy. Thanks a lot. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Beagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/85f322/32.png) [@Beagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beagle)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2003, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/38 "2003-12-07T03:42:28Z")
[The spark thing is real.](http://www.thoracic.org/chapters/state/california/adobe/fire-smoke.pdf) > [@](#): > > 150 horrific gas fires started at the pump in 2001. [Snopes](http://www.snopes.com/autos/hazards/static.asp) I still can’t find a cigarette gas pump fire, excluding Hitchcock’s The Birds. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2003, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931/39 "2003-12-10T22:00:23Z")
> [@](#): > > [WALB-10](http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=1551590&nav=5kZQJUTa) > [S]tatic electricity can be dangerous, especially at the gas station. > > Hair stylist Traci Marshall tells her customer, “That scared me to death.” Hair salons are spreading the word. Customer Susan Henson says, “You just better be careful.” > > The stylist is telling her story to everyone who gets in her chair. She explains, “I seen something in the corner of my eye and my hair was on fire.” > > On Sunday, Marshall was simply pumping gas at this Enmark in Albany. Apparently static electricity in her hair mixed with gas fumes, sparking an explosion. She adds, “I started beating my hair to get out the fire and saw flames coming out of the gas tank.” > > She was luckily looking at the gas pump instead of the nozzle where the flames started. Camilla Firefighter Lt. Bill Marshall says, “Had she been looking straight down on it [the nozzle] the flames would have gone up in her face.” Firefighter Bill is Traci’s husband. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-darwin-award-candidate/216931.md?page=1)