Which current range is most likely to cause respiratory system shut down?

The current range of 50-100 mA is particularly concerning when it comes to the respiratory system because this level of current can interfere with the body's muscle function, including the muscles necessary for breathing. At this range, the electrical current can cause severe muscle contractions, impacting the diaphragm—the primary muscle involved in respiration. If the diaphragm cannot function properly, it can lead to respiratory paralysis, decreasing the ability to breathe effectively and potentially resulting in respiratory system shut down.

At lower currents, such as in the 5-15 mA range, the effects might elicit a painful sensation or involuntary muscle spasms, but the risk of respiratory failure is significantly lower. The higher current ranges, such as 100-300 mA, can indeed cause major harm, but they typically induce cardiac arrest and other serious bodily harm before specifically leading to respiratory failure. The 300-700 mA range can be fatal, often causing severe burns and immediate cardiac consequences, yet respiratory system effects are usually secondary to the rapid onset of other critical failures.

Thus, the 50-100 mA range is a particularly dangerous zone for the respiratory system as it has the right combination of muscle impact and potential to disrupt breathing without immediate lethal outcomes from factors like cardiac