Your chances of being struck by lightning in your lifetime are about 1 in 16,550. While the odds may seem slim, it's important to be aware of the potential consequences should the unlikely happen. In this article, we'll explore what happens when someone is struck by lightning and the effects it can have on the human body.
Journeying from the Sky to You
There are five ways lightning can strike humans:
Direct Strike
A direct strike occurs when lightning travels down from the sky and hits a person directly, often in an open area. This type of strike can produce the greatest amount of current through the body compared to other lightning strikes.
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Side Flash
A side flash happens when lightning first hits a tall object and then part of its current jumps to a person standing nearby. For example, if lightning strikes a tree and a person seeks shelter under it, they may be affected by a side flash.
Ground Current
Ground current is the most deadly type of lightning strike, causing the highest number of deaths and injuries. It occurs when lightning makes contact with an object on the ground and then travels outward through the surface of the ground.
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Conduction
Conduction happens when lightning hits a tall object, jumps to a metal surface, and then travels along that surface. This poses a danger to anyone in contact with the metal, as it provides a pathway for the electricity to travel.
Streamers
Streamers are the least common lightning strikes. They occur when multiple objects on the ground become paths for a lightning bolt's current. In this case, a person nearby can become one of those streamers.
No matter the type of lightning strike, the effects on a victim are severe and, in some cases, deadly.
Severe Burns and Shockwaves
Lightning can harm the human body through its electrical properties and the extreme heat it generates.
While lightning itself has no temperature, its electrical current can heat the air around it and any object it passes through to be up to five times hotter than the surface of the sun. This extreme heat can cause severe burns on the skin. Lightning can scald the skin's surface, causing first- and second-degree burns known as "linear flash burns." It can also cause circular "punctate burns" when the current reaches deep tissue.
In rare cases, lightning can cause third-degree burns when it heats up an object that comes into contact with the skin. This can happen in conduction lightning strikes where a person touches a heated metal object.
Lightning can also create a shockwave due to the rapid heating and cooling of the air around it. This shockwave can cause severe physical trauma, resulting in injuries such as internal bleeding, concussions, fractured skulls, and damage to the spine.
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Jolt to the System
In addition to its thermal properties, lightning can damage the human body through its electrical properties.
The human body naturally produces electricity for signals to move throughout the nervous system. When lightning strikes and reaches the nervous system, it can directly damage nerve cells, cause temporary paralysis, and even burst arteries and vessels in the brain.
The cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and blood vessels, can also be severely affected by the electrical jolt from lightning. It can cause irregular heartbeat, bruised heart muscles, and damage to the aorta. In the worst cases, a lightning strike can stop the heart.
These disruptions to the nervous and cardiovascular systems can have a ripple effect on the rest of the body, including the respiratory system. A lightning strike can lead to the filling of the lungs with fluid, respiratory failure, and other serious complications.
The Aftermath and Long-Term Effects
Survivors of lightning strikes may experience long-term damage to various parts of their bodies. They may suffer from movement disorders, neurological damage, eye injuries such as cataracts and optic nerve damage, and inner ear damage leading to vertigo, tinnitus, paralysis of facial nerves, and deafness. Ruptured eardrums are also common among lightning strike victims.
The physical damage, particularly to the nervous system, can result in long-term cognitive problems. Survivors may experience depression, inattentiveness, slower reaction times, trouble processing new information, irritability, self-isolation, and personality changes.
Who is Most at Risk
To minimize the chances of being struck by lightning, it is crucial to remain aware of the weather conditions. Men are five times more likely to be struck by lightning than women, and people who work outdoors, particularly in fields, face a higher risk. The southeastern U.S., especially Florida, is also known as the "lightning capital" and carries a higher risk of lightning-related injuries.
No matter who you are or where you live and work, it's essential to follow lightning safety tips to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How likely is it to be struck by lightning?
A: The chances of being struck by lightning in your lifetime are approximately 1 in 16,550.
Q: What are the different types of lightning strikes?
A: Lightning can strike directly, through side flash, ground current, conduction, or streamers.
Q: What are the effects of lightning on the human body?
A: Lightning can cause severe burns, including flash burns and punctate burns, as well as create shockwaves that can lead to physical trauma. It can also damage the nervous and cardiovascular systems, resulting in long-term cognitive problems and various health complications.
Q: Who is most at risk of being struck by lightning?
A: Men, outdoor workers, and individuals living in regions with high lightning activity, such as the southeastern U.S., are most at risk.
Q: How can I minimize the risk of being struck by lightning?
A: Stay informed about the weather conditions, seek shelter during thunderstorms, and follow lightning safety tips to reduce the risk of being struck by lightning.