Having wet hair could one day save your life: Rainwater on the head can reduce risk of being killed by lighting by 20 per cent, research finds
Being caught in a storm is never pleasant, even if you’re dressed for the weather.
But putting away the umbrella and letting your hair get wet can save your life if lightning strikes.
Researchers found that rainwater on the scalp during lightning acts as a protective “shell,” reducing the electrical current entering the brain.
The purity of rainwater makes it a poor conductor of electricity – unlike polluted tap water, experts say.
Rene Machts of Ilmenau University in Germany said a wet head could increase the chances of survival from 70 percent to 90 percent.
“During a thunderstorm, it is important to seek shelter as quickly as possible,” he said.
Researchers found that rainwater on the scalp during lightning acts as a protective ‘shell’, reducing the electrical current entering the brain (stock photo)
The purity of rainwater makes it a poor conductor of electricity – unlike polluted tap water, experts say (stock photo)
An average of 60 people are struck by lightning in Britain every year. About a third are killed and most survivors are left with life-changing injuries (stock photo)
‘But if that’s not possible, our research suggests you should get your head wet.
‘A layer of rainwater on the scalp is like a covering that can reduce the flow to the brain and protect it from injury. When struck by lightning, electricity will take the easiest path, through the water on the outside of the skin rather than through the body.’
The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, used two model heads with three layers representing the scalp, skull and brain.
One was sprayed with pure water to simulate rain and both were exposed to powerful electrical discharges. The wet head suffered fewer tears and its ‘brain’ was exposed to 13 percent less electrical current – which could be the difference between life and death.
To benefit from the protection, the scalp must be wet, not just the hair. An average of 60 people are struck by lightning in Britain every year.
About a third are killed and most survivors are left with life-changing injuries.