When lightning strikes the head, the chances of survival are higher if the scalp is wet from rain. This has been shown by a study published in the journal. Scientific Reports.
Previous theoretical studies have shown that moist skin can reduce the effect of electric current on the human body during lightning strikes. However, this assumption had no practical proof.
In a new study, scientists created models of human heads and exposed them to high-energy electrical discharges that mimic natural lightning. Water, sodium chloride, graphite, agarose and other materials were used to recreate the electrical conductivity of human tissue.
Scientists exposed one “head” to an electrical discharge in a dry state, and the other was pre-sprayed with artificial rainwater. The dummy’s wet head had fewer holes, and there were areas of severe damage in the lightning strike area. When the skin was wet, the amount of current the brain was exposed to was also lower.
Scientists noted that lightning strikes pose a great danger and that you should find a sheltered place as quickly as possible during a storm.
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