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Health Effects of High Voltages

There are many different health effects from exposure to high voltages. Ironically, the people injured the most are those who are trained to work with electricity, like engineers and electricians. Different exposures carry different risks, and carelessness around high voltages can be deadly. Knowing how high voltages can affect you and how to respect electricity is key to preventing an accident.

  1. High-Voltage Power Lines

    • Power lines emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs). While living close to high-voltage sources may seem intimidating, the World Health Organization (WHO) asserts that this equipment is completely benign. Approximately 25,000 articles during the last three decades have been published about long-term exposure to EMFs. Evidence for the risk for cancer is inconclusive, and no evidence has been found of other harmful effects. Some people report that they are sensitive to EMFs, claiming that everything from depression to seizures may be linked to this catalyst, but the WHO reports that there is no proof for these claims.

    Acute Exposure

    • While exposure to electric fields is harmless, acute exposure to an electric current is not. A common misconception is that voltage determines the level of danger from a shock. However, it is the current's strength, measured in milliamperes (mA), that is the deciding factor. Anything between 100mA and 200mA can be deadly. The safe range is only 1mA to 8mA. A shock between 8mA and 100mA can result in pain, loss of muscle control and a life-threatening, abnormal hearth rhythm. Once the 100mA threshold is crossed, severe burns and heart failure can occur.

    First Aid

    • If someone around you has suffered from a severe electric shock, do not attempt to remove the device. Instead, shut off the power source by removing the fuse from the fuse box. If you cannot find the source, do not touch the person with your hands. Use a dry object, such as a board, stick or rope, to pull the victim away from the electrical device. Once the threat is eliminated, avoid moving the person if possible, since he may have back or neck injuries. Check to see if he is breathing, call 9-1-1, and perform CPR if necessary.

    Prevention

    • As with any injury, the best treatment is prevention. Keep your distance from fallen power lines, and call your local electric company or police department to report the danger. You can install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in your home's electrical outlets. These devices immediately cut off electricity to an appliance if it falls into water. Do not touch electrical objects with wet hands or while standing in water. Finally, make sure to replace worn cords when necessary.

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