Whether it is a quick shock from the doorknob or hairs that stick straight up, everyone experiences static electricity; typically in dry, cold air. While these sudden jolts seem mysterious, static electricity is the result of a simple science and can be prevented in the home.
Scuffing your feet on the carpet can charge you 10,000 Volts - that’s some serious power as a normal electrical wall outlet is only around 120 Volts. 2
Like all types of electricity, static electricity travels at light speed (186,282 miles per second). 3
The shock is caused by the collection of extra electrons from surfaces and the air. Dry, cold air collects more electrons, making the situation worse during winter. 4
Charges are easily picked up, from using wool blankets to dusting glass. Then, when you touch your furry friend - ZAP! 5
Shoes act as insulators and create a barrier between us and the ground reducing the conduction or the transfer of electricity.
Adding moisture to the air decreases static electricity from materials in a room.
Relative humidity - the amount of moisture in the air compared to how much moisture the air can hold - 50% is the sweet spot ot minimize static electricity.
Humidifiers, like the Honeywell Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, add essential moisture back into the air, helping to reduce static electricity.
1 Library of Congress Online. https://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/static.html
2 LiveScience.com. http://www.livescience.com/4077-shocking-truth-static-electricity.html
3 ScienceWithKids.com. http://sciencewithkids.com/science-facts/facts-about-static-electricity.html
4 The Weather Network. https://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/articles/for-science-why-are-static-shocks-so-bad-during-the-winter/45942
5 KidzWorld.com. http://www.kidzworld.com/article/22301-static-electricity101