Is static shock dangerous? How can it be prevented?

Ever felt a spark when a body part of yours accidentally hits another person?

According to physics Prof. Percival Almore on Kuya Kim’s “24 Oras” report Tuesday, this is due to static charge that may be discharged from the ground.

“Maaaring magdulot ng static shock. Maaari ring maging peligro ‘to sa kalusugan,” he said, adding it helps to have a room with high humidity to prevent this.

“Isang paraan upang maiwasan yung static shock sa mga airconed room ay minsan, bubuksan natin yung mga bintana o pinto. Isampay o idikit ang blanket sa metal na poste o hanger.”

Almore added that putting lotion on one’s body is beneficial as it absorbs electrons.

In Dagupan City, a family started getting worried after feeling sparks whenever there was physical touch. Vanessa Siapno said it all began when they had an aircon installed.

Siapno said they also experienced their hair going up. According to Kuya Kim, this is caused by a physics phenomenon called static electricity or a charge caused by the imbalance of electrons on a surface.

“Ang mga hibla ng buhok ng bata ay tumatayo dahil una, yung repulsion ng positive charge sa buhok at pangalawa, yung attraction do’n sa negative charge na kumot,” Almore said.—Franchesca Viernes/LDF, GMA Integrated News