Current densities measured in human models exposed to 60-Hz electric fields. 1985

W T Kaune, and W C Forsythe

This paper gives current densities measured in homogeneous grounded human models exposed to vertical, 60-Hz electric fields. The methods used for these measurements were validated by measuring the current densities induced in a grounded hemisphere and in a grounded prolate hemispheroid; agreement between measurement and theory was good. For an unperturbed field strength of 10 kV/m, current densities measured in the human chest were in the range 125-300 nA/cm2. A strong horizontal current-density enhancement was observed in the axillae, with peak values of about 400 nA/cm2. The vertical current density in the arms, when held downward, was in the opposite direction to that in the chest. Current densities in the abdomen, pelvis, and legs were a strong function of whether the body was grounded through one or both feet. With one foot grounded, the horizontal current density in the lower pelvic region, just above the crotch, was 770 nA/cm2. This value was the largest of those measured in the head, arms, or torso of the human model. Scaling factors derived from these data and similar data for animals will provide a quantitative basis for comparing animal and human exposure to 60-Hz electric fields. In addition, current-density data given in this paper can be directly extrapolated to higher frequencies, at least to 1 MHz. These extrapolated data may be useful to individuals and groups involved in the determination of safety standards for the lower radiofrequency region.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008961 Models, Structural A representation, generally small in scale, to show the structure, construction, or appearance of something. (From Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2d ed) Model, Structural,Structural Model,Structural Models
D004560 Electricity The physical effects involving the presence of electric charges at rest and in motion.
D004574 Electromagnetic Fields Fields representing the joint interplay of electric and magnetic forces. Electromagnetic Field,Field, Electromagnetic,Fields, Electromagnetic
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D055590 Electromagnetic Phenomena Characteristics of ELECTRICITY and magnetism such as charged particles and the properties and behavior of charged particles, and other phenomena related to or associated with electromagnetism. Electrical Concepts,Electromagnetic Concepts,Electrical Phenomena,Electrical Phenomenon,Electromagnetic Phenomenon,Electromagnetics,Concept, Electrical,Concept, Electromagnetic,Concepts, Electrical,Concepts, Electromagnetic,Electrical Concept,Electromagnetic Concept,Electromagnetic Phenomenas,Phenomena, Electrical,Phenomena, Electromagnetic,Phenomenon, Electrical,Phenomenon, Electromagnetic

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