2004 Accord LX Gas Flap Fell Off

I was fueling my 2004 Honda Accord LX 4 cylinder, and noticed that the gas flap has fallen off of the vehicle at some point. I never paid much attention to it before when filling up. I assume it went into the gas tank. My questions are:

1. With no flap, and it falling into the gas tank will there be an future problems with the vehicle running or cause any other issues?

2. What purpose does this gas flap serve?

3. Will it still pass E-Check (in state of Ohio) with no fuel flap?

Thank you for the help!

**I guess another pretty important question which could make this whole post irrelevant is "Does this vehicle even have a gas flap filler?"** thanks!

As far as I know it is installed at a factory as a safety measure to prevent foreign materials from falling into the tank.

On my 1999 I lost mine about five years ago without any problems so far.

Regards,
Sam