Cell Phone Myths Debunked
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.
July 17th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I had heard about the dangers of carrying a cell phone in my pocket. After a visit to my M.D. I’m proud to say my semen quality is spectacular. I no longer carry it in my pants pocket and fortunately the only side affect is that my testicles now glow in the dark.
Carly’s Note: Maybe you could light Santa’s sleigh this year!
July 17th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I’ve often seen the “No Cellphone” sign at gas stations. I just laugh.
In fact, my mother said she was at a gas station awhile back and someone actually gave out to her for using her cell phone while pumping gas. Too funny!
Carly’s Note: Some people are funny. They believe everything they read in an email “forward”, but don’t bother to check credible news sources.
July 17th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Childhood myths are better known by the term “old wives tales” of which many have some truth. Carrots and eyesight for example, I think there’s some relation. Since I wear glasses and refused to eat carrots as a kid then that must be true eh?
I still am not crazy about using a cell phone for an extended time, it gets hot and that can’t be good. Did you see that video on the Switched site, the motorcyclist texting as he rode?
Carly’s Note: It’s the vitamins in the carrots that are supposed to be good for you, but unless you were eating them raw, most of the vitamins in the carrots were probably boiled out.
July 17th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
I don’t know which was the bigger myth, the Loch Ness monster, or believing all the grown ups who said my freckles would go away.
Carly’s Note: I hear you! Mine fade a bit in the winter, but I love the sun in the summer just too darn much. Yes, I wear sunblock but still…
July 18th, 2008 at 6:37 am
Hi Carly,
My parents would tell us that watching too much TV would ruin our eyes so off we would go outside to play. Didn’t work for me though. I played tons of sports growing up but need my contact lenses or I’m blind as a bat!
Have a great weekend:)
Carly’s Note: It worked to the extent that they fostered your love of sports and exercise. I’m in the same boat when it comes to glasses/contacts - definitely need them!
July 18th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Carly:
I have tried opening my car door using a cell phone, with somebody at home using the remote. It worked for me! I have no idea how it works but I have to say that Cell phones CAN be used to open up locked cars, provided somebody at the other end is on a land line and they have the remote controller. (Maybe I have too much time on my hands, eh?).
Regards,
Paul
Carly’s Note: Thanks for setting the record straight, Paul.
July 18th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Sorry for replying late to this one. I’m typing this from Florida as we’ve got a huge family reunion down here and yesterday and today was driving, driving, driving.
As for cell phone usage, if it can lower sperm count, then I guess it could also cause brain damage if you use it a lot, right? I’m actually surprised at how much people actually use it. What did we do 20 years ago when hardly anyone had a cell phone? Heck, what did we do 10 years ago? It’s like you can’t drive one block without seeing someone yapping on it. Can’t you people just wait until you get home?
Oh, I think the jury is still out on whether you can or can’t unlock a car door via cell phones. Some people have tried it and said it can, while others have tried it and failed. I’ll try it once I get a new battery for my first keyfob that died a few days ago.
Carly’s Note: I’m with you. I don’t feel the need to spend every waking hour on the phone. Btw, have a safe drive!