OVERVIEW

This review summarizes peer reviewed papers, government reports, and regulatory group recommendations on hazards from electricity. A goal of this report is to determine a safe voltage level below which these hazards will not occur; the review emphasis is, therefore, on ‘extremely-low’ voltage (<50 VRMS or 71 VPEAK) exposure. This report is divided into five main sections dealing with human exposure. SECTION I addresses the basic mechanisms by which electric current can affect biological tissue in a hazardous manner. SECTION II summarizes experimental research studies involving application of electric current to human subjects. SECTION III reviews the epidemiology and case reports of human electrocution. SECTION IV includes a summary of previous electrical safety standards. SECTION V includes the review conclusions for human exposure. An APPENDIX deals with the electrocution of dogs