The human body, being a good conductor of electricity, relies on electrical impulses for many vital physiological processes, such as neuron signaling and heartbeats.
However, exposure to high-intensity electric shocks can be life-threatening. The threshold at which the intensity becomes too high is not fixed and depends on various factors, including muscle tissue amount and duration of contact with the current.
A brief electric discharge lasting milliseconds differs significantly from a longer one. Above a certain current intensity, muscles can become paralyzed, making it difficult to detach from the electricity source. This prolongs the duration of the shock, increasing its harmful effects.
Therefore, the current intensity figures that are considered dangerous depend on these factors. It’s crucial to understand these nuances when discussing electricity’s impact on the human body.
Difference between amperage and voltage
When talking about an electric current, we usually provide data with units such as amperes and volts. You should keep in mind very importantly that we use these units for different parameters, so we cannot interchange them.
The potential difference or the force that drives the electric current refers to voltage. Generally, data fixes it. That means, a circuit receives a fixed voltage supply, but the current intensity, measured in amperes, varies at different points in the circuit.
This intensity of current refers to the amount that circulates at a point. Therefore, when discussing an electric shock, people usually do it in amperes.
Dangers of Electric Shocks
Electric shocks can be fatal to the human body, particularly when they cause muscle paralysis. Muscle movement is governed by electrical current, and a small discharge can cause them to contract. However, an intense and sustained electric shock can cause the muscles to stiffen, a condition known as tetanization, which is similar to the effects produced by tetanus toxins.
In the event of an accidental electric shock, tetanization can occur at around 10 milliamps (10 mA), although this can vary between individuals. This is dangerous as it can prevent a person from releasing a cable they are holding, for example. While 10 mA is not initially fatal, prolonged exposure can increase the severity of the shock and may even cause respiratory paralysis.
Furthermore, if the individual is at a height, they may no longer be able to hold on and could fall. At just 75 milliamps, ventricular fibrillation can occur where the lower chambers of the heart begin to contract uncontrollably, disrupting blood flow to the body’s organs. If not treated promptly, this can be fatal.
At an intensity of 5 amperes, tissue can burn, causing severe burns. Between 4 and 10 amperes, cardiac arrest can occur and resuscitation becomes increasingly difficult as the intensity approaches 10 amperes.
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