The Dangers of Electric Shocks

Many physiological dangers are associated with electric shock. Contrary to popular misconception, current, not voltage, is the main threat to people who experience electric shocks.

Pain

• A tingling feeling and the awareness of electricity passing through your body is noticeable with as little as 1 milliamp of current. Larger electric shocks are painful. The more current passing through the victim's body, the more painful the experience is.

Muscular Paralysis

• With as little as 10 to 20 milliamps of current, electric shock produces a severe muscular contraction and paralysis. If the person being electrocuted is holding a live wire, muscular paralysis will not allow him to let go of it. The wire would have to be physically removed from his hand to stop continued electrocution.

Burns

• Larger electrical shocks can result in burns as the skin resists the electricity attempting to pass through it. If the electric source releases an arc flash, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports thermal temperatures of up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit can occur, resulting in severe burns.

Respiratory Dangers

• More severe electric shocks can upset the respiratory system, causing difficult and labored breathing. A large enough shock can result in total respiratory paralysis and possibly death.

Ventricular Fibrillation

• One of the dangers of a massive electric shock is the possibility of ventricular fibrillation. The heart pumps when electrical signals move through it, and a disruption from an outside current can result in the heart's wall twitching in a rapid and uncoordinated manner. Ventricular fibrillation often results in death, especially if the condition continues uninterrupted.