Mechanism behind electric 'ferning' burns?

Subject: Mechanism behind electric 'ferning' burns?

Date: Sun Feb 20 21:29:28 2005
Posted by Green Xenon
Grade level: undergrad School: No school entered.
City: No city entered. State/Province: No state entered. Country: No country entered.
Area of science: Medicine
ID: 1108956568.Me

Message:


Hi:

Most lightning strike victims experience an inflammatory reaction as a result of
electron showers. This type of reaction is called a "fern". What is the
mechanism behind this type of burn? Is "ferning" fatal? Can it cause shock or
lead to infection?

NOTE: Ferning is *not* caused by heat.


Thanks,

Green Xenon

Re: Mechanism behind electric 'ferning' burns?

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