Understand the risks of using your phone in the shower

Teenager case in Brazil reignites warning about electric shocks from phones plugged into chargers

A recent tragedy in Riacho de Santo Antônio (PB) has raised an important alert: a 15-year-old girl, Simone de Cássia Galdino, died after receiving an electric shock while handling her phone still connected to the charger. The accident occurred just after a shower, with the teenager still wet — which significantly increased the risk of shock, according to a report by UOL.

Regular water contains salts and impurities that make it a conductor of electricity. This means that any contact with electrical sources, especially under inappropriate conditions or with poorly maintained installations, can be fatal.

According to Edson Martinho, director of Abracopel (Brazilian Association for Electrical Hazard Awareness), homes without the IDR (Residual Current Device) — a mandatory equipment since 1997 — are at greater risk. This device automatically disconnects the circuit upon detecting faults, helping to prevent accidents.

“The problem is not always about unplugging the device, but the condition of the electrical installation. Sometimes there are accidental touches, and improper handling, such as pulling by the cable, wears out the equipment. The risk exists even with dry skin — wet skin makes it even worse,” Martinho told UOL.

Although the IDR can help in dry environments, it is not a guarantee of total safety, especially if the person is wet or barefoot.

The statistics are concerning: in 2024, there were 7 accidents involving phone chargers, resulting in 4 deaths. In 2023, there were 23 cases, with 15 deaths. In January 2025, three incidents were reported — none fatal until Simone’s case.

It’s important to remember that shocks above 50 volts (in dry environments) or 25 volts (in wet environments) can be lethal. Therefore, contact with 110V or 220V outlets in risky situations poses a real threat to life.

Source and images: Olhar Digital / Creative Commons. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.