google didn't give me much explanation when I typed in "LPG" and "cell phone" except for a related news here. yes there was an LPG blast --caused by the phone, said by some official, but that theory was never proved.
then I searched mythbusters' site (I do remember this was tested and busted): http://mythbustersresults.com/episode2
It says:
Using one’s cell phone while pumping gas/petrol can cause an explosion: BUSTED. A properly-working cell phone poses almost no danger of igniting gasoline, even when surrounded by gasoline vapor with the optimum fuel-air mix for ignition. The actual risk comes from an electrostatic discharge between a charged driver and the car, often a result of continually getting into and out of the vehicle. (This myth was revisited in episode 14 and it was busted again.)
but how about LPG tanks? would that make any difference? I'm no guru at this, but one thing for sure is that cell phones can (highly, possibly) ignite LPG. I don't know how, I don't know why, I don't know the scientific basis ...but I do know that it happened to my uncle, who I've considered as my "most gwapo" uncle --moreno, matangos ilong, close to richard gomez during his youth.
so there, I hope this post will avoid the same incident to others ...by telling everyone to PLEASE, BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS when dealing with gas and cell phones at the same area especially when it's indoor. it's ok to be hesitant, it's ok to be doubtful about this matter (or about this myth. whatever you call it) ...but it's a lot better to practice a known precaution by just turning off our phones. wala naman mawawala.
right now I have no idea how my uncle is. all I know is that he's still in the hospital, and will probably there for the next N days. we can't visit at the moment, so this morning I just prayed, asked God to help him recover, then thanked Him that after all that happened, my uncle survived.
Upon entering the office, I unloaded my stuff as always, grabbed my kikay kit then went to the bathroom, ready to spend the next 15 minutes freshening up (hilamos after commute, make up then ayos buhok).
As I looked at myself on the mirror, I then realized how God can take away your face, your skin, your whole body --in just a snap. for a reason you wouldn't instantly understand. and so I offered a tiny sacrifice ...I skipped that few minutes of vanity, went back to my cube, then again prayed for my Uncle, who I hope would recover as soon as possible...
