[Cardiac complications of electrocution. (Apropos of a case of myocardial infarct after lightning electrocution)].
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Farm workers electrocuted when irrigation pipes contact powerlines.
For accidental electrocutions in Washington State from 1950 to 1979, the standardized proportionate mortality ratio for farmers compared with the general population was found to be 226 in a recent report. This excess mortality rate in Washington State was investigated by the authors, who reviewed death certificates and associated local newspaper reports of all farmers killed by electrocution during 1950-79 and of all persons killed by electrocution during 1970-79. Selected employers, next of kin, and public utility personnel were also interviewed. In Washington State 42 farmers were electrocuted during the years 1950-79; 23 of them were killed while working near irrigation pipes that came into contact with overhead electrical lines. During 1970-79 there were 15 irrigation pipe-associated (IPA) electrocutions among farmers and 15 among farm workers. The average age of farmers who suffered IPA electrocutions, 33.2 years, was less than the average age of farmers whose electrocutions were not associated with irrigation pipes, 48.9 years. Among persons less than 20 years old, IPA electrocutions were more common than any other type of electrocutions. During the months of April through September, 93 percent of the IPA electrocutions occurred as compared with only 61 percent of other types of electrocution. Among measures for the prevention of these electrocutions are education of the population at risk and changes in methods of irrigation.
Accidents, Occupational↗
Experimental evaluation of rigor mortis. VII. Effect of ante- and post-mortem electrocution on the evolution of rigor mortis.
The influence of electrocution on the evolution of rigor mortis was studied on rats. Our experiments showed that: (1) Electrocution hastens the onset of rigor mortis. After an electrocution of 90 s, a complete rigor develops already 1 h post-mortem (p.m.) compared to 5 h p.m. for the controls. (2) Electrocution hastens the passing of rigor mortis. After an electrocution of 90 s, the first significant decrease occurs at 3 h p.m. (8 h p.m. in the controls). (3) These modifications in rigor mortis evolution are less pronounced in the limbs not directly touched by the electric current. (4) In case of post-mortem electrocution, the changes are slightly less pronounced, the resistance is higher and the absorbed energy is lower as compared with the ante-mortem electrocution cases. The results are completed by two practical observations on human electrocution cases.
Adult↗
Review of autopsy findings in judicial electrocutions.
Electrocution has been a means of execution since 1890, when it was introduced as a more humane method than hanging. Only 1 state today, Nebraska, uses it as the sole method of execution. Since the reinstatement of the death penalty in the state of Florida, 43 judicial electrocutions have taken place in the years 1983-1999. In 2000, the state of Florida passed legislation allowing lethal injection as an alternative to electrocution. Since that time, lethal injection has been used and judicial electrocution has virtually become obsolete. In this review of the 43 autopsies, the most common physical findings were an annular burn on the head due to the scalp electrode and a burn on the right calf due to the anklet, both due to electrical current flow. In 3 cases, unexpected events occurred during the electrocution. The autopsy findings in these 3 cases were similar to those found in previous electrocutions. This review presents an objective and factual description of changes due to one method of capital punishment.
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Population-based study of severe trauma due to electrocution in the Calgary Health Region, 1996-2002.
BACKGROUND: Severe trauma arising from electrocution is uncommon, and we wished to study the incidence, risk factors and outcome to identify potential areas of prevention. We therefore studied an active population of adult victims of severe electrical trauma in a large area of Canada (the Calgary Health Region [CHR]). METHODS: From 3 databases, we collected data on all adult (> or = 18 yr) residents of the CHR who suffered electrical injury associated with an Injury Severity Score of 12 or greater or died as a result of electrocution between Apr. 1, 1996, and Mar. 1, 2002. Of particular interest were the incidence, the age and sex of the victims, the mechanism, the type of electrical power and the outcome. RESULTS: Ten cases of severe electrical trauma were identified (2.4 per 1 million population annually). Victims' ages were a mean (and standard deviation) of 38.2 (10.3) years. All 10 victims were male for an annual sex-specific incidence of 4.9 per 1 million people. Men aged 18-49 years were nearly 3 times more likely to be victims of electrocution than older men, although this result was not statistically significant (6.1 v. 2.1 per 1 million annually; relative risk 2.9; 95% confidence interval 0.4-127.5). All episodes of electrocution were unintentional, and 7 were occupationally related. All 10 electrocutions resulted from domestically generated current, and 9 were related to power-line exposure. Overall, 6 patients died for a death rate due to severe electrical trauma of 1.4 per 1 million people annually. CONCLUSION: This population-based study demonstrates that severe electrocution is rare but is associated with death in the majority of cases in this large Canadian region.
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Risk perception following exposure to a job-related electrocution accident: the mediating role of perceived control.
Perceived control was proposed to be a significant mediator for the relation often observed between mental simulation (simulation heuristic) and perceived personal risk for future lethal events. Baron and Kenny's (1986) procedure for testing a mediational hypothesis was used to evaluate this hypothesis. Employees of a recreational facility where a lifeguard was accidently electrocuted and a matched control group (N = 32) estimated their perceived risk for future electrocution events, how much personal control they believed they had over preventing future events, and the degree of clarity for mentally simulating future events. Although perceived control was not found to be a significant mediator for the relation between mental simulation and perceived risk as hypothesized, both mental simulation and perceived control accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in perceived risk for future electrocution events. The trauma group reported significantly higher ratings for perceived risk and mental simulation of future events. However, the trauma group did not differ from the non-trauma group on perceived control over future events. Possible explanations for the relatively high degree of perceived control over future electrocution events within the trauma group, in spite of their experience with a near-fatal electrocution event, are discussed.
Accidents, Occupational↗
Electrocution--autopsy study with emphasis on "electrical petechiae".
Fatalities caused by electrocution (n = 37) were re-examined on the basis of the autopsy records, the police reports and the technical expertise. Accidents including two lightning deaths caused 2/3rd and suicides 1/4th of the fatalities and there were two homicides. Carelessness or ignorance were a major reason for accidental deaths while technical defects could be verified in five cases only. Low-voltage ac and male victims predominated. Electrical burns or current marks were detected in 81% including all high voltage electrocutions. The seven victims lacking burns were electrocuted in a wet environment including six cases of suicide in the bathtub with a hair drier. Petechial haemorrhages were present in 74% of the cases and the favourite sites were the skin of the eyelids, conjunctivae, visceral pleura, and the epicard. The presence of petechiae did not depend on the voltage or the current pathway relative to the heart. It is, therefore, suggested that the petechiae are not caused by asphyxia but by a combination of venous congestion due to cardiac arrest and a sudden rise in blood pressure induced by muscle contractions. Consequently, "electrical petechiae" represent a non-specific but typical finding in electrocution irrespective of the mechanism leading to death. Unlike electrical burns, petechiae also indicate the vital origin of the events. The relevance of this typical morphological sign in the examination of possible electrocution fatalities is therefore emphasised.
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Death due to electrocution in childhood and early adolescence.
OBJECTIVES: To delineate the clinicopathological features of fatal childhood electrocutions and to identify specific risk factors. METHODS: Coronial files in Adelaide (Australia) were searched from 1967 to 2001 and Medical Examiners' files in San Diego (USA) were searched from 1988 to 2001, for cases of deaths of children and adolescents younger than 16 years attributed to electrocution. RESULTS: Sixteen cases were identified aged between 10 months and 15 years (mean 8.0 years) with a male : female ratio of 5 : 3. Deaths were due to accidents occurring while playing with or near faulty electrical equipment at home or at school (n = 8), electrical equipment while in the bath (n = 2), damaged outdoor electrical equipment (n = 1), overhead wires (n = 1), and a high voltage electricity substation (n = 1). In addition, one death was due to suicide involving an electrical appliance placed in a bath, and two other deaths occurred in older children who were moving equipment under overhead wires. No homicides were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood deaths due to electrocution are rare and are more likely to occur when children are playing around electrical wires or equipment, and often result from either faulty apparatus, or a lack of understanding of the potential dangers involved. The majority of deaths (11/16; 69%) occur in the home environment. In contrast to adult electrical deaths, high-voltage electrocutions, suicides and workplace deaths are uncommon. Strategies for eliminating childhood electrocution should concentrate on ensuring safe domestic environments with properly maintained electrical devices.
Accidents, Home↗
Radiofrequency electrocution (196 MHz).
Radiofrequency (RF) electrocutions are uncommon. A case of electrocution at 196 MHz is presented partly because there are no previous reports with frequencies as high as this, and partly to assist in safety standard setting. A 53-year-old technician received two brief exposures to both hands of 2A current at 196 MHz. He did not experience shock or burn. Progressively over the next days and months he developed joint pains in the hands, wrists and elbows, altered temperature and touch sensation and parasthesiae. Extensive investigation found no frank neurological abnormality, but there were changes in temperature perception in the palms and a difference in temperature between hands. His symptoms were partly alleviated with ultra-sound therapy, phenoxybenzamine and glyceryl trinitrate patches locally applied, but after several months he continues to have some symptoms. The biophysics and clinical aspects are discussed. It is postulated that there was mainly surface flow of current and the micro-vasculature was effected. Differences to 50 Hz electrocution are noted. Electrocution at 196 MHz, even in the absence of burns may cause long-term morbidity to which physicians should be alerted. Safety standards should consider protection from electrocution at these frequencies.
Arthralgia↗
Fatal electrocution in adults--a 30-year study.
A retrospective study was undertaken of all cases of death in adults (>16 years) due to electrocution which were autopsied at Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, Australia, over a 30-year period from 1973 to 2002. A total of 96 cases were identified with 87 males (91%) (mean age=41.6 years; range 17 to 86 years) and nine females (9%) (mean age=49.2 years; range 20 to 76 years). Deaths were due to accidents in 66 cases (69%; M:F = 63:3), suicides in 28 cases (29%; M:F=24:4) and homicides in two cases (2%). Both homicide victims were females, with females accounting for only 5% of the accidents and 14% of suicides. The number of accidental deaths increased until the early 1990s and then declined, whereas suicidal electrocutions were only found in the last 20 years of the study. Most deaths (N = 80; 83%) were due to low voltage circuits (<1000 volts), with deaths due to high voltages occurring in 15 cases (16%). One death was due to lightning (1%). While suicides were evenly distributed throughout the year, most accidental deaths occurred in late spring and summer (N = 42; 64%) with the lowest number of accidental deaths occurring in winter and early spring. This report demonstrates a significantly higher rate of electrocution deaths among males, with a summer predominance of accidental deaths, most likely due to increased outdoor activities in better weather. The reduction in cases over the last decade of the study may be a reflection of the success of workplace and domestic safety campaigns. Female electrocution suicides and electrocution homicides were rare events.
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Cardiac pathology in death from electrocution.
To better characterize the morphologic changes in electrocution, morphologic changes in the hearts of 21 subjects, who died instantaneously of electrocution, were compared to the hearts of decedents with different types of death. Sixteen myocardial samples per heart were processed for histological examination, and sections were prepared with a variety of specific stains. The frequency, location and extent of myocellular segmentation (stretching and/or rupture) of intercalated discs and associated changes of myocardial bundles and single myocells [myofibre break-up (MFB)] were recorded, quantitatively analysed and statistically evaluated. The frequency of MFB was maximal in cases of electrocution (90%). The findings show that MFB is an ante-mortem change and may be a distinct finding in electrocution.
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Study on electrocution death by low-voltage.
Seven cases of electrocution death by low voltage (< 80 V) were studied. Autopsy was carried out and the death scene was investigated. The conditions for low-voltage electrocution death, the state of the victim at the time of electrocution, postmortem examination and the nature of the electricity is discussed. It was pointed out that low-voltage electrocution was related to the nature of electricity, individual characteristics and environment conditions.
Accidents, Occupational↗
Battery-powered, electrocuting trap for stable flies (Diptera: Muscidae).
A solar-charged, battery-powered, electrocuting grid was combined with a white plywood base to make a portable, pulsed-current, pest-electrocuting device that attracted and killed stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), outdoors. The grid was powered once every 1-2 s by a 0.016-s pulse of 60-Hz alternating current of 4 mA and 9,500 V. Power was turned off at night by a photoresistor. The trap functioned continuously for 14 d with an unrecharged 12-V, 18A/h lawn-tractor battery and killed as many as 4,000 flies per day. Solar cells were used to charge a single 12-V battery continuously that operated 12 grids for a period of 90 d. The grid did not short circuit for any length of time even during heavy rainstorms or when large insects were killed. The incorporation of moiré patterns and the utilization of the correct size, orientation, and placement of wires made the electrocuting grid itself attractive to stable flies. The traps were spaced at distances of up to 120 m from the battery and pulse circuit. The electrocuting traps were more effective than sticky traps and avoided the problems associated with chemicals. They are well suited for use around calf pens, dog kennels, or large animal shelters.
Animals↗
Occupational electrocutions in Jefferson County, Alabama.
Few studies have presented the general epidemiology of electrocution deaths using local medical examiner data. Data were obtained from coroner/medical examiner's files for electrocution deaths occurring between 1981 and 1998. All 27 occupational electrocutions were among men; 92.6% were white and 7.4% were black, with a mean age of 33.1 years. The rates of high- and low-voltage electrocution were similar. Low-voltage deaths showed a seasonal pattern, with the largest numbers in July, August and October. Deaths occurred most frequently among electricians and electrical helpers. The level of detail available from medical examiner records permits more complete evaluation of injury patterns than is possible using death certificate data; however, even more detailed studies, exploring worker activity at the time of injury, education, experience and training, are needed.
Accidents, Occupational↗
Focal lingual dystonia, urinary incontinence, and sensory deficits secondary to low voltage electrocution: case report and literature review.
Electrocution injuries are well reported in review articles and cases of high voltage electrocution injury are abundant. However, reports of low voltage electrocution injury are few. A case is presented of low voltage shock from a 120 volt AC source with presentation, acute and chronic course, and a five year follow up. The patient experienced several unusual complications of low voltage electrocution: a persistent right tongue deviation, which initially presents as an isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy, but subsequently manifests as a focal lingual dystonia; total body paresthesia with urinary incontinence; and persistent sensory deficits to the face and tongue.
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Electrocution-related mortality: a review of 123 deaths in Diyarbakir, Turkey between 1996 and 2002.
Electrical burns are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality, and are usually preventable with simple safety measures. We conducted a retrospective study of non-lightening electrocution deaths in Diyarbakir, Turkey between 1996 and 2002. All 123 deaths investigated were accidental. The age range was 2 to 63 years with a mean age of 20.7 +/- 15.3 years. Eighty-six victims (69.9%) were male. The upper extremity was the most frequently involved contact site in 96 deaths (48%). No electrical burn mark was present in 14 (11.4%) cases. Home accidents were responsible for 56 cases deaths (45.5%). Deaths were caused most frequently by touching an electrical wire (52 cases, 42.3%). There was an increase in electrocution deaths in the summer (47 cases, 38.2%). One hundred one cases (82.1%) were dead on arrival at hospital. The unique findings of our study include younger age (0-10 years) of victims (39 cases, 31.7%) and a means of electrocution (electrical water heaters in bathroom) in 23 cases (18.7%). Rate of deaths due to electrocution among all medicolegal deaths was found higher in our study than in previous studies. The public should be educated to prevent children to play near electrical appliances and to avoid electrical heaters in the bathroom.
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Electrocution attributed to supernatural forces in the Niger delta region of Nigeria: a report of three cases.
BACKGROUND: Accidental deaths from electrocution in this environment are sometimes related to charm and witchcraft caused by one's enemies. The aim of this article is to highlight the problems of beliefs and accidental electrocution. METHOD: We report three cases of accidental electrocution which was believed to be associated with traditional beliefs of witchcraft and charm. RESULTS: Autopsy findings in two cases showed characteristic electric burns (the joule burn which is the area of entry) without obvious organ changes. The third case revealed no burn but investigation of the scene of incidence and other sources of information are consistent with a diagnosis of electrocution. CONCLUSION: Post mortem examination can assist to dispel misconception and unnecessary belief on cause of death in our community.
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Electrocutions in the construction industry involving portable metal ladders--United States, 1984-1988.
In the United States, electrocution is the fifth leading cause of work-related death from injury (1,2) and the second leading cause of death in the construction industry (3). Ten percent of electrocution incidents in the construction industry involve ladders (4). To identify and characterize incidents in which construction workers were electrocuted while using portable ladders, CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) analyzed national data for 1984-1988. This report summarizes the analysis and recommendations for prevention of electrocutions involving portable metal ladders.
Accidents, Occupational↗