What are the hazards of static electricity to the human body?
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, static electricity can cause harm to the human body, including skin damage, loss of blood calcium, cardiac dysfunction, neurological disorders, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. To reduce the adverse effects of static electricity on the human body, it is recommended to maintain indoor air humidity and avoid excessive dryness. Choosing cotton clothing and minimizing the use of synthetic fiber garments can also help reduce the generation of static electricity.
Under normal circumstances, static electricity can harm the human body by causing skin damage, calcium loss in the blood, cardiac dysfunction, neurological disorders, and inducing respiratory infections. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Skin damage: Static electricity may irritate the skin, leading to symptoms such as dryness, flaking, and itching. Additionally, static electricity can attract dust and bacteria, increasing the risk of skin allergies and inflammation, especially in individuals with sensitive skin or pre-existing skin conditions such as dermatitis or psoriasis, in whom the risks may be more severe.
2. Calcium loss in the blood: Static electricity may generate microcurrents within the body, potentially affecting the balance of ions in the bloodstream, including calcium loss. Calcium in the blood is essential for nerve conduction and muscle contraction, so its depletion may negatively impact normal bodily functions.
3. Cardiac dysfunction: Static electricity may alter the normal electric potential difference on the body surface, affecting the heart's normal physiological functions. The electric field generated by static electricity may interfere with the heart's electrophysiological activity, leading to arrhythmias, ventricular premature contractions, and other conditions. For individuals with implanted cardiac pacemakers, static electricity may also interfere with the pacemaker's normal operation.
4. Neurological disorders: Static electricity may cause abnormal conduction in nerve cells, resulting in neurological dysfunction. Symptoms that may occur include headaches, dizziness, insomnia, irritability, and mental confusion. For individuals with neurasthenia or psychiatric disorders, the effects of static electricity may be more pronounced, potentially worsening the patient's condition.
5. Inducing respiratory infections: Static electricity can attract dust and viruses from the air, which may enter the body through respiration, potentially causing upper respiratory tract infections or pulmonary diseases.
To reduce the harmful effects of static electricity on the human body, it is advisable to maintain indoor air humidity and avoid excessive dryness. Wearing cotton clothing as much as possible and reducing the use of synthetic fiber garments can help minimize static electricity generation. Frequent bathing and changing of undergarments are recommended to maintain personal hygiene. Drinking plenty of water and consuming more vegetables and fruits can help maintain proper hydration and nutritional balance in the body.
