ANION EFFECT AND THE BENEFITS OF NEGATIVE IONS

Ionised air molecules make up more than a very small percentage of the atmosphere.However, despite their small numbers, these molecules play a profound role in maintaining the health of the atmosphere by removing particulate and chemical pollutants. In the indoor environment, ionisation provides an even wider spectrum of benefits, including the destruction of bacteria and elimination of odors. However,conventional construction and ventilation techniques tend to negate the benefits of ionisation. This problem can be mitigated by technology designed to augment the ionisation of indoor air.

Natural Sources of Atmospheric Ionisation

A small number of natural processes contribute a constant supply of ionisation to our atmosphere. These natural sources of ionisation include (1) the effects of radiation, (2) effects of the earth's electric field, (3) the movements of wind, and (4) the splashing of water (Lenard Effect).

Falling water produces ionisation. Whenever water droplets collide forcefully, small particles separate from the water surface carrying a negative charge into the atmosphere. The larger water droplets and the main body of water become positively charged. This phenomenon, named after its discoverer, is called the Lenard Effect

All sources of ionisation have the effect of electrifying the atmosphere. The electrical charge of the atmosphere at any location on the earth's surface (aside from human factors) depends upon the productivity of these natural sources of ionisation. The prevalence of either negative or positive ionisation in any location will have an impact on the health of the animals, plants, and humans living in the area.

Effects of Negative Air Ionisation

Anecdotal evidence for the helpful effects of ionisation extend as far back as the 18th century. In the second half of the 20th century studies began to appear specifically stating the helpful biological effects of negative air ions.

The reported physiological effects of negative air ionisation are listed below. The most relevant highlighted in red.

 1. Decreased respiratory rate (breathing rate)

2. Decreased basal metabolic rate (body energy usage at rest)

3. Decreased blood pressure (self explanatory)

4. Produced a feeling of well being (The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy)

5. Increased vital capacity (lung capacity)

6. Decreased skin temperature

7. Acceleration of the conversion of succinate to fumerate

8. Stimulation of cytochrome

9. Decreased eosinophilia and lymphocyte count

10. Increased CO2 combing power of plasma

11. Decreased blood sedimentation rate

12. Decreased muscle chronaxie

13. Increased ciliary activity

14. Increased frequency of mitosis

15. Increased resistance to infection

16. Suggested as therapy in chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, migraine, insomnia, tuberculosis, wound and burn healing, asthma, hay fever, emphysema, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, chlorine gas poisoning, preventing thromboembolism.

In studies conducted by the Air Ion Research Laboratory at the University of California, evidence show that negative air ions kill many forms of molds and bacteria. The microorganisms eliminated by negative ionisation include those that cause cholera and typhoid fever There is an established link between negative air ionisation and the fluctuation of seratonin levels in humans and animals. Among other functions, seratonin causes the smooth muscles of the respiratory system to contract Negative ionisation has been shown to decrease seratonin; however, positive ionisation increases seratonin levels.

Whereas negative ionization is generally considered to be beneficial, positive air ions appear to cause harmful effects. According to Pogrund , the reported physiological effects of positive air ionization include:

1. Inhibition of growth of tissue cell cultures

2. Increased respiratory rate

3. Increased basal metabolism

4. Increased blood pressure

5. Produced headache, fatigue, nausea

6. Produced nasal obstructions, sore throat, dizziness

7. Increased skin temperatures

8. Depressed rate of ciliary activity

9. Increased muscle chronaxie

10. Altered alpha wave of the EEG

11. Reduced succinic oxidase activity in the adrenals

12. Increased the blood level of 5-hydroxytryptamine

When positively ionised oxygen molecules are inhaled they have a very strong effect on lung function. Positively charged oxygen ions cause a reduction in respiratory capacity, which results in diminished resistance to stress and reduced mental ability. Positive ionisation in the atmosphere results in part from the collisions of normal air molecules with dust particles and by friction between different cloud layers. Positive ionisation always precedes certain types of weather fronts by one or two days, because electricity moves faster than the weather that generates it.

The problems of positive ionisation are also associated with the phenomena known as"evil winds" such as the sharav in Israel, the foehn in Europe, and the Santa Ana winds in southern California. Effects associated with these winds include stress reaction, thyroid problems, breathing difficulties, disrupted biorhythms, and an increase in aches and pains.

People who are especially sensitive to weather suffer the most from the effects of positive ionisation in the atmosphere. Weather-sensitive people comprise approximately 30% of the general population.

.Ionisation and the Indoor Environment

The acceptable minimum concentration of negative ions for indoor air is 200-300 ions per cm3. The optimal level is 1000-1500 negative ions per cm3 . However, the reality is that the concentration of negative ionisation in the outdoor air is sometimes far below this acceptable minimal value, especially in cities. The situation is worsened by the fact that many characteristics of the indoor environment have the effect of reducing the amount of naturally available ionisation.

Conclusions

Ionisation is part of a healthy atmosphere. It is one of nature's tools for maintaining and cleaning the air. Though positive and negative ionisation exist together naturally in the atmosphere, and abundance of negative ionisation appears to have very beneficial effects on humans, animal, and plants while an abundance of positive ionisation seems to be detrimental.