Reevaluation of Lethal Electric Currents
- 1 September 1968
- journal article
- Published by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in IEEE Transactions on Industry and General Applications
- Vol. IGA-4 (5), 467-476
- https://doi.org/10.1109/tiga.1968.4180929
Abstract
Low-frequency electric currents of a few milliamperes flowing through the body cause muscular contractions. In the arm such an effect may make a subject unable to let go of a live conductor. The highest currents which 99.5 per cent of men and 99.5 percent of women are able to let go have been shown to be 9 and 6 mA, respectively. Currents somewhat larger than this, in the range of 20 to 40 mA, passing across the chest may arrest respiration leading to asphyxia, unconsciousness, and even death.Keywords
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