What is the minimum threshold for irreparable damage to body tissues due to electrical current?

The correct response indicates that irreparable damage to body tissues typically occurs when the electrical current exceeds a certain level, which is generally categorized as being several amps. In electrical safety, various thresholds have been established based on research and clinical observations. Currents above a few amps can cause significant tissue damage, disrupt normal cellular functions, and result in thermal injuries or cardiac arrest.

This understanding is rooted in the physiological effects of electrical injuries. When the current is sufficiently high, it can lead to the denaturation of proteins, rupture of cell membranes, and other catastrophic biological effects. The severity of the damage is not directly linear with current, but higher amps greatly increase the risk of life-threatening conditions.

For reference, currents as low as 0.1 to 0.2 amps can be dangerous and potentially fatal, especially if they pass through the heart. However, the threshold for significant irreversible damage often starts at higher levels, hence the response indicating "a few amps" aligns with the concept that serious injuries to tissue become likely at that range.