Introduction
Electricity is very useful to humans. We utilize the electric current to run our lights, appliances, and various electronics. However, electrical safety is key as electricity can also pose serious risks if not managed correctly. In this article, we will look at why electricity becomes hazardous to humans.
How Electricity Affects the Human Body
Electrical shock, caused by a strong electric current, can injure the human body in a multitude of ways:
Electric Shock
Electric shock happens when electricity passes through your body. Even small amounts of electricity can cause injuries or death.
Touching live wires or damaged cords can give you an electric shock. An electric current flowing through your body may cause burns at the entry and exit points.
Electric shock can also disrupt your heart rhythm or cause it to stop completely, making it a shock hazard. This shock hazard can potentially be fatal.
Electrocution
Electrocution is serious injury or death caused by electric shock. It occurs when a high amount of current passes through the body.
Electrocution frequently happens to electrical workers who accidentally touch live wires, becoming conductors for the strong electric current. The heavy current flow can cause burns on their skin and lead to critical damage to their heart and brain.
Burns
The flow of electric current through the body produces heat, which can cause burns.
Burns caused by electricity or an electric current may not seem severe initially. But they can cause severe damage deep under the skin.
Other Effects
Electricity can also:
- Cause muscles to tighten up and freeze in place
- Lead to falls or other injuries
- Start fires or explosions if it ignites flammable material
So electricity can harm the body directly or cause secondary injuries.
Why Electricity Flows Through the Human Body
Electricity can flow through the human body because the body conducts electricity. Here’s why:
1. Water conducts electricity
The human body contains a lot of water – about 60% of our body weight comes from water.
Water can conduct electricity, allowing current to flow through the body.
2. Minerals in the body assist conductivity
The water in our body also contains dissolved minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
These minerals contain free ions that help conduct electricity.
3. The body provides multiple pathways
Electricity flows through the path of least resistance. Our body’s complex network of tissues and organs provides many pathways for electricity to flow.
So our body’s water, minerals, and multiple pathways allow it to conduct electricity quite well.
Factors That Increase Hazard Risk
Certain factors make electricity more hazardous to humans:
1. High voltage
Voltage is the force that pushes electricity through wires and devices. High-voltage electricity has enough force to push current through the body.
As little as 50V can be hazardous, and risks increase sharply above 300V.
2. Wet conditions
Our skin offers some protection against electricity. But if skin is wet, that protection disappears, allowing current to flow freely through the body.
Sweaty hands, high humidity, and wet floors all increase risk.
3. Damaged wires and equipment
Exposed wires or damaged electrical equipment allow electricity to flow out uncontrolled. This increases chances of shock or electrocution.
Regular inspection and repair of electrical systems is vital.
4. Lack of safety gear
Rubber gloves, insulated tools, and dry mats prevent electricity flowing through the body.
Working on electrical equipment without proper safety gear is extremely hazardous.
5. Medical devices and implants
Pacemakers, insulin pumps, and metallic implants can conduct electricity, creating bodily pathways.
Extra care must be taken around electricity if you have medical devices.
Preventing Electric Shock Injuries
Here are some ways to prevent hazardous electricity exposure:
- Keep electrical equipment and outlets in good condition. Replace damaged items.
- Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent severe shocks.
- Avoid handling electrical devices when wet or standing in water.
- Wear rubber-soled shoes and insulated gloves when working on electricity.
- Unplug devices when not in use to avoid accidental shocks.
- Keep electric tools properly grounded and double insulated.
- Use lower voltage battery-powered tools when possible.
- Keep ladders, equipment, and yourself at least 10 feet from overhead power lines.
- Hire qualified electricians for complex electrical work.
Warning Signs of Hazardous Electricity
Watch for these signs of potentially hazardous electrical situations:
- Tingling feeling when touching an appliance
- Discolored or warm outlets or switches
- Flickering lights that indicate a loose bulb or wire
- Buzzing, sizzling, or cracking from outlets or appliances
- Burning smell from outlets or cords
- Sparks visible near outlets or cords
- Frequent blown fuses or tripped circuits
Long-Term Effects of Electrical Injuries
Electrical injuries can have long-term effects on the body. The severity and type of long-term effects depend on several factors, such as the intensity of the electrical current, the path it took through the body, and how long the body was exposed to the current. Some of the potential long-term effects include:
Nervous System
Electrical injuries can cause damage to the nervous system, which may result in neurological problems. This may include memory loss, seizures, changes in personality, or muscle weakness. In some cases, this damage may not be apparent until several days or weeks after the injury.
Cardiovascular System
In some cases, electrical injuries can cause long-term damage to the heart. This may result in irregular heart rhythms or even heart failure. Regular monitoring and treatment may be necessary for people who have experienced electrical injuries to the heart.
Skin and Tissues
Electrical burns can cause serious damage to the skin and underlying tissues. This can result in scarring, loss of tissue, and in severe cases, the need for amputation. Additionally, electrical injuries can lead to complications such as infection, which can further complicate recovery.
Psychological Impact
Experiencing an electrical injury can also have a significant psychological impact. This can include symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mental health support and treatment may be necessary alongside physical treatment.
How to Respond to an Electrical Injury
Knowing how to respond to an electrical injury can significantly affect the outcome. Here’s a general guide:
- Ensure Safety: Do not touch the person with bare hands if they’re still in contact with the electricity source. Turn off the power source if possible or use a non-conductive material like wood or rubber to separate them from the source.
- Call for Help: Dial your country’s emergency number immediately.
- Begin CPR: If the person isn’t breathing or has no pulse, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until help arrives.
- Treat Burns: If there are visible burns, cover them with sterile bandages or cloth.
- Seek Medical Attention: Regardless of the severity of the injury, always seek medical attention after an electrical injury.
Recent Studies on Electrical Hazards
Recent research has provided further insights on electrical hazards. For example, a study by Xiao et al. (2016) found that the human body can influence the measurement of a power-frequency electric field sensor, indicating how conductive our bodies are to electricity.
Another study by Zhang et al. (2017) investigated the effects of long-term occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields. It found that resveratrol, a compound found in red wine and peanuts, may reverse some of these effects.
Finally, a study by Rodriguez-Franco et al. (2022) examined the contributing factors to fatalities in electrical trades due to contact with electricity. It highlighted the need for improved safety measures in the electrical industry.
Conclusion
Electricity powers our modern world. But it can become hazardous due to its ability to flow through the human body. Factors like high voltage, wet conditions, and damaged equipment increase risk. With proper safety precautions, we can safely harness electricity while avoiding injurious shocks.
Resources
Xiao, D., Liu, H., Zhou, Q., & Ma, Q. (2016). Influence and correction from the human body on the measurement of a power-frequency electric field sensor. Sensors, 16(6), 859. https://doi.org/10.3390/s16060859
Zhang, D., Zhang, Y., Zhu, B., Zhang, H., Sun, Y., & Sun, C. (2017). Resveratrol may reverse the effects of long-term occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields on workers of a power plant. Oncotarget, 8(29), 47497-47506. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.17668
Rodriguez-Franco, O., Zreiqat, M., Wachter, J., & Janicak, C. (2022). Examination of the contributing factors to fatalities in electrical trades due to contact with electricity. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 64(11), 942-956. https://doi.org/10.1097/jom.0000000000002601
