This morning, NBC’s Today Show featured an investigative report on the risk of plastic gas can explosions. Considering that many of our readers use gas cans regularly, I felt it was important to pass along.
The report has found that nearly a dozen deaths and 1,200 injuries due to plastic gas can explosions over the past 15 years. Specifically, the gas cans were more likely to explode when the temperatures were cold outside, there was a low volume of gas left in the can, and the can was tipped at a 42-degree angle. While the gas can industry has not yet confirmed these reports, it is believed by experts that the use of a flame arrestor can also help prevent these accidents from happening.
Great post I thought many times over the years , somthing did not look right , when I saw these cans expand with internal pressure , and when you remove the lid a big puff of fumes blow out and clould catch and explode , I will be more carful in hot and cold conditions thanks Dabber