Question

What amount of current flow through the human body can cause a shock that may cause you to go into cardiac arrest?"

a) 5 milliamperes
b) 10 milliamperes
c) 30 milliamperes
d) 50 milliamperes or more

Answer 1

Currents between 100 and 300 milliamperes can cause cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation, while currents above 300 mA may cause burns. Currents above 5 mA can cause muscular contractions, with the risk increasing significantly at levels of 10-20 mA or higher.

Step-by-step explanation:

The amount of current flow through the human body that can cause a shock potentially leading to cardiac arrest is between 100 and 300 milliamperes (mA). Current in this range may disrupt the electrical patterns of the heart, leading to ventricular fibrillation, which can be fatal if left untreated. Shocks with currents above 300 mA may not only affect the heart but can also cause burns.

For levels below this threshold but above 5 mA, the current can cause sustained muscular contractions and the 'can't let go' effect, making the situation dangerous. Currents as little as 5-30 mA can lead to muscular contractions similar to nerve impulses. Hence, while 5 mA is considered the maximum allowed shock according to safety rules, it's at markedly higher levels, such as 10-20 mA, where the risks become severe, leading to involuntary muscle spasms and inability to release grip from the electrical source.