In early 1999, a number of reports were circulated in the news media and on the Internet suggesting that cell phones could cause a fire or explosion if used at gas stations. Although the reports were speculative and unconfirmed, the issue gained impetus when warning labels began to appear at service stations. In response to these events, this study was initiated to define and investigate the extent of the problem, to determine whether the allegations were founded, and to make recommendations as to what actions, if any, should be taken. The cell phone – gas station issue is centered on claims that the cell phone battery could spark and ignite gas fumes, or that the electronic impulses or electromagnetic (RF) waves emitted by the phones might trigger fire and/or explosions of gas fumes. These claims appear to be supported by some cell phone manufacturers, who print warnings in their cell phone instruction manuals against using the phones in areas with “potentially explosive atmospheres” such as gas stations. However, the warnings were apparently issued in response to an outdated…