Is static electricity in winter dan.g.erous to health?

During cold, dry winter days, many people are afraid of suddenly getting an electric shock when accidentally touching a doorknob, pulling a blanket, turning on a light switch, or accidentally touching a metal object, etc.

This is a phenomenon of static electricity and it does not affect human health. Normally, the static electricity from clothes and blankets is mainly due to the materials and physical and chemical properties of the fibers inside. Static electricity is a phenomenon that occurs due to an imbalance of electrical charges on the surface of a material.

During the process of friction, static electricity can occur. When two materials come into contact with each other, the charge will transfer from one object to the other, leading to an excess of positive charges on one object, and an excess of negative charges on the other.

People can feel the imbalance of electrical charges while wearing or pulling clothes, combing their hair with a plastic comb, or some other rubbing actions. The human body is also a very special electrochemical machine, so it can generate a very small amount of electricity, enough to cause a slight tingling sensation when accidentally rubbing against an object.

That is also the reason why when you accidentally touch a metal door handle, the negative charge on your body will continue to increase until it is enough to produce a weak amount of electricity, allowing the charge between your hand and the door handle to suddenly flash sparks, causing a slight tingling sensation in your hand.

On the other hand, hot air retains higher humidity, which is also the reason why static shocks are less common in the summer. In addition, some materials that often cause static electricity are rubber, nylon, synthetic fibers, hair, fur, metal, etc.

Solutions to prevent static electricity

Increase humidity in the air

In winter, the humidity in the air is often quite low. Therefore, to limit static electricity at home, you can use a humidifier.

Clothing material

Experts say that wearing clothes made of synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon can easily lead to static electricity, so people should use clothes made of natural fabrics such as cotton.

In addition, soaking in fabric softener can also help soften clothes and prevent static electricity. Drying clothes naturally instead of drying clothes also helps reduce the risk of static electricity.

Limit wearing rubber shoes

This is a strong insulator, increasing the possibility of static electricity when you accidentally walk on a wool or nylon carpet. Experts from the University of Birmingham say that leather shoes are a perfect choice in winter to avoid static electricity.

Apply moisturizer regularly

Maintaining and increasing skin moisture is a great way to avoid static electricity in dry weather conditions. People can apply moisturizer regularly, especially when wearing clothes made of materials such as polyester and nylon.