Electrical shocks are common, but rarely result in health effects.
Karin Biering, Kent J. Nielsen, Ole Carstensen, Anette Kærgaard
Objectives: To examine whether demographic and health factors are associated with risk of electrical shocks and compared mental and physical health before and after an electrical shock.
Methods: A 6-month cohort study of 6960 electricians involved weekly questionnaires regarding exposure to electrical shocks, and health. We examined the association between health and demographic factors and the risk of eventual electrical shocks and health before and after a shock
Results: Youth and poor health were associated with risk of shocks. Reporting of numbness, cramps/spasms, tremors, tinnitus, dizziness, and flashbacks increased in the week of the shock, but only tinnitus and flashbacks persisted, as other symptoms receded. Severity, high voltage, cross-body exposure, wet entry/exit points, and direct current as well as health worries and/or neuroticism increased some estimates
Conclusion: Electrical shocks are common, but rarely result in health effects.
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