Citation

Andrews C, Cooper MA, Kotsos T., Kitagawa N, Mackerras D. J. Lightening Res. 2007; 1: 158-165.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Uppsala Universitet, Aangstroemlaboratoriet)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The possibility that a magnetic field generated by a nearby lightning stroke may cause cardiac dysfunction has been suggested. This hypothesis has been the basis for conjecture about injury from magnetic effects of lightning strokes. The present authors believe that we lack a scientific explanation for this hypothesis. This theoretical paper examines the arguments advanced in support of the contention, and critically reviews relevant calculations and data from the scientific literature. Standard physical modelling of lightning stroke magnetic fields, together with a standard model of the myocardium is used to predict the charge transfer which will occur for a fiftieth percentile lightning stroke occurring within the striking distance of an individual. It is shown that the available charge transfer density is 7.36x10-5 micro-C/cm2 using the standard fiftieth percentile model. This increases to 6.04x10-4 micro-C/cm2 in the case of a very close lightning strike. Using parameters proposed by the original hypothesis, but with a cardiac model proposed in this paper, the charge transfer density becomes 6.714x10-3 micro-C/cm2. Comparing with the required charge density transfer of 3.4 micro-C/cm2 for muscle stimulation, and 34 micro-C/cm2 for VF initiation, it is concluded that there is no present explanation for a magnetic mechanism causing death or significant injury by lightning.

Language: en