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lightning

A flash of light resulting from a discharge of atmospheric electricity from one cloud to another or from cloud to earth. Lightning deaths: Epidemiology: 1) average of 67 deaths/year in USA [3] a) 43 deaths in 2003 b) many more are hit by lightning, but survive 2) 7 deaths/year (ave) in Florida, most in USA [2] 3) summer is peak season for lightning Clinical manifestations: - long-term, debilitating symptoms include a) memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders numbness, dizziness, irritability, fatigue, depression b) joint stiffness, weakness, muscle spasms, restless legs syndrome [3]

General

electromagnetic radiation

References

  1. Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, Miriam-Webster Inc. Springfield, MA 1990
  2. The Weather Channel, Evening edition, August 19, 2005
  3. The National Weather Service, Lightning Safety http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/