Current densities measured in human models exposed to 60‐Hz electric fields

Abstract

This paper gives current densities measured in homogeneous grounded human models exposed to vertical, 60-Hz electric fields. The methods used for these measurements were validated by measuring the current densities induced in a grounded hemisphere and in a grounded prolate hemispheroid; agreement between measurement and theory was good. For an unperturbed field strength of 10 kV/m, current densities measured in the human chest were in the range 125-300 nA/cm2. A strong horizontal current-density enhancement was observed in the axillae, with peak values of about 400 nA/cm2. The vertical current density in the arms, when held downward, was in the opposite direction to that in the chest. Current densities in the abdomen, pelvis, and legs were a strong function of whether the body was grounded through one or both feet. With one foot grounded, the horizontal current density in the lower pelvic region, just above the crotch, was 770 nA/cm2. This value was the largest of those measured in the head, arms, or torso of the human model. Scaling factors derived from these data and similar data for animals will provide a quantitative basis for comparing animal and human exposure to 60-Hz electric fields. In addition, current-density data given in this paper can be directly extrapolated to higher frequencies, at least to 1 MHz. These extrapolated data may be useful to individuals and groups involved in the determination of safety standards for the lower radiofrequency region.

Numerical dosimetry at power-line frequencies using anatomically based models

“…Another point to note is that the highest current density of almost 6,800 nA/cm2 calculated for the ankle section (Fig. 6c) is considerably larger than 1,440-2,000 nA/cm2 measured by Kaune and Forsythe [1985]. This is due to the highly bony nature of the lower part of the legs which results in effective cross-sectional areas that are considerably smaller than the physical cross sections for this region of the body [Gandhi et al, 19861.…”

The Essential Environmental Cause of Multiple Sclerosis Disease

“…As an example to dielectrophoretic force affecting on human body, the results of the study by Chen et al [28] and Kaune and Forsythe have been considered [29]. The comparison of the theoretical results by Chen et al to the experimental results of Kaune and Forsythe on vertical and horizontal current densities for a grounded human model exposed to an electric field of 10 kV/m and frequency of 60 Hz is given by Chen et al [28].…”

“…Figure 5. Distribution of induced current density (nA/cm 2 ) in human body; (a) theoretical (Reproduced [28]), (b) experimental [29]. Figure 6.…”

Numerical and analytical methods to determine the current density distributions produced in human and rat models by electric and magnetic fields

“…They cannot easily accommodate changes in posture (arms outstretched vs. at sides) or grounding pattern (one vs. two legs grounded). They predict that the internal current distribution is uni- form in homogeneous models, which is contrary to measurements made on human and rat mannikins [Kaune et al, 1987;Kaune and Forsythe, 1985;Kaune and Forsythe, 19881. They cannot be easily adapted to cases in which a human or rat is completely insulated from, but capacitively coupled to ground.…”