Bengalureans Experience Static Shock: Causes; Why Do Some People Experience Static Shock And Others Dont?

Add as a preferred source on Google

My best friend, who resides in Bangalore texted me the other day complaining about constantly getting static chocks, making him concerned about what was causing it.

A search down the google rabbit hole hinted that he may be having a vitamin B12 deficiency, so he ran to get a bottle of supplements - but alas, to no avail - and even got himself a cutesy nickname - firefly.

Then as I was scrolling through Instagram, another friend from Bangalore shared her similar experience - which got me intrigued and I started looking into what could be the real cause behind this!

And I found it - no, y'all are not becoming Magneto or Thor - it has to do with the changing climate/weather scenes in Bangalore.

Bengalureans Experience Static Shock

A number of Bengaluru residents have recently reported experiencing static shocks when touching metal surfaces. After a woman shared her experience on social media recently, it has become a hot topic among the residents of IT city [1].

What Caused The Static Shocks In Bangalore?

During the winter months, static shocks are particularly common, as well as during the transition between winter and summer, when the atmosphere does not contain sufficient moisture.

The relative humidity in Bengaluru is currently between 30-40% (lowest) and 60-70% (highest). Although this isn't the driest weather in the country, it is definitely on the drier side. Bengaluru has been dry over the past few weeks with no humidity [2].

Dry air conditions enhance static charge build-up. Therefore, static problems and effects are more common in dry air conditions. When the weather is cold and dry, the air outside may be very dry. Air conditioning or central heating can produce very dry conditions inside that promote static electricity. By heating the air, the humidity is reduced and the temperature is increased.

In cold, dry weather, static shocks are often observed, especially when in centrally heated environments. The phenomenon may disappear when the weather becomes more humid, or air conditioning may promote the phenomenon in hot weather [3].

Are Your Clothes Responsible For Static Shock?

During the dry season, you may notice that hair sticks to woollen, silk, or synthetic clothes. These materials are susceptible to static shock since they retain electrostatic charges.

Are Static Shocks A Health Risk?

In reality, static electricity is not harmful to humans. Many people wonder why they experience shocks when they touch metal objects, such as door handles, filing cabinets, lifts, window frames, photocopiers, etc.

In most cases, electrostatic discharges are just a nuisance, even though uncomfortable. The greatest risk is that a shock could cause you to suffer an accidental injury [4].

Static Shock Vs Electric Shock

Electric shock is created by the use of electrical means and static shock is created by the use of human effort. The static shock is not harmful, while electrical shock can result in injuries ranging from minor to fatal [5].

Electric shocks can cause cardiac arrest, arrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation, and other complications.

Why Do I Experience Shocks, When Others Don't?

The reasons for this may be numerous.

• Firstly, certain individuals are more sensitive to shock than others [6].
• Also, you may be storing a greater amount of static electricity than others, depending on your body size, feet, and shoe soles. If you have a larger body, larger feet, and thinner shoe soles, then you need to store more charge to produce the same voltage, resulting in a higher energy electrostatic discharge [7].
• Furthermore, there is a possibility that you are generating more charge than others due to the material of your shoes, your walking style, or even the material covering your chair [8].

Ways To Prevent Static Electrical Shock

• Humidify the air
• Wear natural fibres
• Use anti-static hand lotion
• Go barefoot
• Purchase anti-static mats and products

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.