h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've long been aware of this, particularly since I work with people who design the radio frequency parts of mobiles and base-stations, though I think there was some concern with the original analogue mobiles, which were closer to the limits of what would be expected to generate ionizing radiation.

It amuses me to see these signs on the pumps of forecourts which have mobile phone base-stations concealed in their signage.

On the subject of gender differences, I used to work in a small-scale manufacturing shop for electronic devices. We had a particular custom chip which was highly sensitive to static discharge before it was soldered into its circuit. Amongst our technicians we had some who could not build these devices reliably (80% failures) and some with virtually no failures - most failures could be traced to the failure of this sensitive chip. Of those who seemed zap the chips with high probability, most were women and, since this was back in a more innocent time when we could ask such questions, we discovered that the factor that best correlated with static induced deveice failure, was the proportion of man-made fibers in the technicians underwear. This factor was far more critical than the correct use of earthing straps.

So...I deduce that women with mobile phones should not approach petrol stations wearing underwear.



to the nearest pumping station...

Thank you s-b-l for taking the time to read and comment - looks like we could have done with you when this was in peer review. You really should hang around there sometime - that sort of technical information would be invaluable.


....and Matt, trust you to come up with a cunning plan.


I think the blob looks really great, and it's just the way I feel today.

It may be that underwear from Marks and Sparks is the worst in this respect.

Aw s-b-l - I so wish I had that in PR, I'd have used it in the entry.

... EF, woman, EF!!! Quick!


<./>Feedback-Editorial</.>

Request made - I do hope they go for it.

In regards to women's undies, I believe that Mythbusters decided it was women wearing slips under their skirts that caused the greatest static electricity when getting in and out of their cars.

I cannot believe that a woman in a "thong" would even have enough material to cause any static electricity.

In regards to the notices at the pump and in the cell phone packaging, it obviously got the attention of some litigious groups that also warn not to use the hair dryer in the bath.

Great article.

Thank you bexlind, yes I think it's probably lined skirts, tights, sportswear - all that sort of thing, I know that during the very dry weather (if I can think that far back) I am very prone to static getting out of the car.

I always think it's funny the way that if enough people say a thing is true it becomes true - and this is what I suspect happened in the first instance with this myth - it sounded plausible and was oft repeated so it became 'true'.

Have you read this, Fizzy?

A6378744

I wrote it because I suffer from the same thing.The trick is to wipe the car upholstery with a tumble-drier sheet. It works!!! No more zapping. Until the stuff wears off, then just redo. Also get into the habit of using the back of your hand - not your fingertips - to touch the metal of the car. Much less sensitive!

No GB - I hadn't read this, but I'll certainly be trying it I'm quite sparky at times.

If you don't want to use the fabric softner sheets, try the home-made spray and let it soak in. Let me know how you get on. I tried it all out myself before I wrote the entry, I live for feedback

Slap on some body lotion too

They don't make that much body lotion GB.

I'll get the fabric sheets when I'm out shopping tomorrow, and let you know.

Excellent
Get the thick, expensive ones that do this:. Worth it

I only work for the Trust I don't own it

I'll do my best.