Getting caught in a storm is never pleasant, even if you are dressed for the weather.
But putting away your umbrella and letting your hair get wet could help save your life when lightning strikes.
Researchers found that rainwater on the scalp acts as a protective “shell” during lightning strikes, reducing the electrical current entering the brain.
According to experts, the purity of rainwater makes it a poor conductor of electricity, unlike contaminated tap water.
René Machts, of Ilmenau University in Germany, said having a wet head could increase the chances of survival from 70 to 90 percent.
“During a storm, it’s important to seek shelter as quickly as possible,” he said.
Researchers found that rainwater on the scalp acts as a protective “shell” during lightning strikes, reducing the electrical current entering the brain (file photo)
The purity of rainwater makes it a poor conductor of electricity, unlike contaminated tap water, experts say (file photo)
In the UK, an average of 60 people are struck by lightning each year. About a third die and most survivors are left with life-changing injuries (file photo)
“But if that’s not possible, our research suggests you should let your head get wet.”
‘A film of rainwater on the scalp is like a shell that can reduce the current entering the brain and protect it from injury. In the event of a lightning strike, the 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 head models with three layers representing the scalp, skull and brain.
One was sprayed with pure water to simulate rain and both were exposed to powerful electric shocks. The wet head suffered fewer cracks and its “brain” was exposed to 13 percent less electrical current, which could make the difference between life and death.
To benefit from the protection, the scalp must be wet, not just the hair. In the UK, an average of 60 people are struck by lightning each year.
About a third die and most survivors are left with life-changing injuries.