Electrostatic potentials generated on the head by wearing different types of fabric

ABSTRACT

The electrostatic potentials [EP] generated on the surface of the head of the human body by different types of fabrics are studied. Hundred healthy volunteers were divided into five equal groups four test and one control group. Each of the four groups wore caps of different fabrics 100 percent polyester, 100 percent cotton, 50/50 percent polyester/ cotton and 100 percent wool. The control group was left capless. EP were measured one hour after dressing the cap. EP could not be detected from cotton or wool caps or from controls. In contrast, polyester and polyester/cotton mix caps generated EP. The EP induced during daytime were higher than at night due probably to the higher temperatures prevailing during the day. Friction between polyester-containing caps and the human scalp generates electric charges and the scalp becomes positively charged. A series of induced EP is generated in the intracranial structures. Opposite sign charges on the opposing surfaces of the subarachnoid space, the four cerebral ventricles and cerebral hemispheres create an [electrostatic field] across each of them. The latter may have an injurious effect on the nerve cells of the cerebral hemispheres and on the constituents and circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid and blood in the skull. These disorders may eventually affect the brain centers and result in clinicopathologic manifestations