[singpilot]

What the studies DID find that was women are more likely to generate the static spark necessary to ignite the filler neck fumes.

Watch next time you are at the pump. Women will get out, start the fill, then get back in the car, usually even shutting the door (while talking on the phone). It's the getting in and out of the car (with insulating leather or rubber soled shoes) that does it. They are not out of the car long enough to equalize the static buildup generated by all the synthetics in the seats, and the clothes.

They go right to the gas nozzle and immediately ground their charge to the car when they touch the filler. The area is full of very volitile fumes, and THAT spark is what changes their makeup requirements for the rest of their life. The fact that they were talking on the cell phone is simply coincidental at that point.

Watch the next time you are in the gas station. Guys will stay outside. Women will enter and reenter the car at least once if not more (each time increasing the static charge buildup).