Then there’s the case of a luckless Pennsylvania man. L. David Byers was filling his car with gas when a spark caused an explosion. He died from inhaling superheated gasses, the result of static electricity jumping from him to the flammable solutions.
Static electricity can damage electronic devices if a charge interferes with their operation, causing untold damage to personal property. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration reports that even a minor spark from a finger can damage components to the point where they are no longer useful. That’s why those handling those items must wear grounding straps, which dissipate static charges from your body before they can cause damage.
How the Science Works
All electrical charges in creation are carried by electrons and protons, and the latter are components of every atom. The static electricity is caused by an imbalance of positive and negative charges in objects.
The premise works like this: When two objects are rubbed together, one collects electrons and becomes negatively charged, while the other releases electrons and becomes positively charged. When the items are separated, a charge imbalance occurs. Like charges repel each other, and when you touch something that’s grounded and a conductor of electricity, like a metal doorknob, a sudden discharge of the built-up electricity occurs. This can create a visual and audible spark between your finger and the object you’ve touched.
Static buildup can even occur when liquids move through a pipe or hose. If the fluid is flammable, as with gasoline, then an explosion may occur. That’s why when fueling your car, it’s important to touch a metal part of the car before fueling to dissipate any static buildup. The problem is so acute that the National Transportation and Safety Board has specific guidelines for large fuel tanks to prevent static buildup and avoid huge explosions.