How does current flowing through the body cause a health hazard?

Current flowing through the body presents health hazards through multiple mechanisms, including heating tissue, disrupting cellular electrical functions, and causing involuntary muscle contractions.

When current passes through bodily tissues, it can generate heat due to the resistance of the tissues, which is particularly dangerous because excessive heat can lead to burns and damage to internal organs. This is connected to both the intensity and duration of the current.

Additionally, electrical current can interfere with the normal electrical signals that regulate various cellular activities. Cells rely on specific electrical impulses to perform functions such as contracting muscles or transmitting nerve signals. Disruption of these signals can result in severe physiological consequences, including arrhythmias or loss of motor control.

Involuntary muscle contractions occur when current stimulates muscle fibers inappropriately, which can lead to unintentional movements or spasms. Such contractions may interfere with voluntary control; they can also lead to falls or other accidents if they occur suddenly.

Considering all these effects, it is evident that current flowing through the body poses multiple risks that collectively can lead to significant health hazards. This comprehensive understanding highlights why all the listed effects are critical components of the dangers posed by electrical current in the human body.