Why do we suddenly get an electric shock when we touch something in cold weather?

Have you ever received an electric shock when you were touching a door handle? Or did you have a shock in shaking hands with someone?

If yes, then there is no need to panic; it is not a dangerous electrical problem, but a natural occurrence in everyday life, which is termed the static charge.

This is actually what we observed in childhood when we rubbed a balloon on our hair while it was clinging to the wall. During a dry season, particularly when it is winter or hot summer days, the humidity in the air reduces. Electrons get deposited on our clothes, shoes, hair, or objects in such an atmosphere.

These built-up electrons are discharged when we touch a metal, a door, a mobile, or even a human being, and we get a slight shock.

This shock is mostly experienced when the garments are made of synthetic fiber, the hair is very dry, or dry air has no moisture. This is the reason why this problem is practically nonexistent during rainy or humid weather, as the charge itself is removed by the moisture. Experts argue that the best environment where one can generate a static charge is dry air.

The positive thing is that these shocks are not very harmful, and they may be annoying. It is possible to take a couple of basic precautions to prevent them. Examples include covering the skin with moisture, consuming extra water, applying moisturizers, and wearing cotton or silk attire, rather than synthetic ones. Having a humidifier in the house may work, as well.

Therefore, the next time that you get a minor shock when handling something, do not consider it to be an electrical issue. It is merely a jolt of electricity, a saucy commentary on dry weather that there is always a scientist somewhere in our presence.