Afternoon Drive with Jeff & Carly

Here are some cell myths that were recently addressed at Switched.com:

Cell phones can cause gas station fires.

• Myth: While pumping gas, using or turning on your phone can release a charge of static electricity that will ignite the fuel.
• True or false? False. This rumor dates back to the ’90s, when a phony e-mail claimed that Shell Oil had issued a warning about three instances of cell phones causing fires at the pumps. When contacted about it in 2003, Shell claimed it was a complete hoax and that it wasn’t aware of any such incidents.

Cell phones can be used to open up locked cars.

• Myth:Broadcasting the sound of a remote keyless entry device over a phone can open up a locked car.
• True or false? False. The rumor is that if you have an extra key remote at home, you can call someone and have them hit the open button while you hold your phone up to the lock. Well, those entry systems use radio waves and proximity  –  and can’t be transmitted over a phone.

Cell phone use lowers sperm count.

• Myth: Carrying a phone in your pocket and constant use can lower your sperm count.
• True or false? True. Sorry fellas, but if you’re on your phone all the time, you might have a lower sperm count or abnormal swimmers. A study at a
  Ohio fertility clinic tested 361 men with infertility issues and divided them based on cell phone usage. Those who used their phone more than four hours a day were found to have much lower sperm counts and higher amounts of poor quality semen.

To read the full list of myths, click HERE.  Have you ever heard any of these cell myths before?  What myths did you believe as a child?  Did someone plant them in your head, e.g. swallowing watermelon seeds will result in vines growing out of your ears, or did you come up with them yourself?  I always liked the one about not crossing your eyes because they could stay that way.  Spread the fallacies by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is CELLMYTHS.  It’s valid until July 19th.