Negative Ions Counteract
Positive Ion Poisoning

Negative ions are one of the most confusing wellness solutions to understand -- not only is it the chemistry/science aspect of it, but also "negative" makes it sounds unhealthy!

The reality is, as you will read below, the "negative" is good when it comes to ions!

Some cloudy and rainy days, you don’t feel like getting up. You feel lethargic, tired, and not very cheerful. Scientists attribute this to ‘positive ion poisoning’.

Ions are microscopic particles that carry an electric charge. In air, ions are created when enough energy acts upon molecules of air and displace an electron which attaches to a nearby stable molecule that gets a negative charge. The molecule that loses an electron becomes a positive ion. Air molecules are broken apart by cosmic radiation, radio activity in soil, ultraviolet radiation, lightening, moving air flow friction, friction caused by air-borne sand and dirt, and falling water, etc.

As all living systems (including human beings) are bioelectric in nature, the electrically charged particles affect the way we feel and act. In natural setting a balance of positive and negative ions contribute to one’s sensations and perceptions. Atmospheric ions can affect health, well-being, efficiency, emotions, and mental attitude of human beings.

According to experts, positive ions rob us of our good senses and dispositions while [negative ions] stimulate everything from plant growth to human sex drive. Negative ions are called good ions as they enhance our mood, stimulate senses, improve appetite, and provide relief from allergies. In their presence, the body is better able to absorb oxygen into blood cells, oxidize serotonin, and filter airborne contaminants.
More than 5000 scientific documents (4); based on research in Israel, Europe, and the Orient; support the concept that high doses of negative ions have positive effect while opposite is true with exposure to high amounts of positive ions. Dr. Howard (4) from the Center for Applied Cognitive Sciences in Charlotte, North Carolina indicates that negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy. Profound beneficial effect of negative ions on both mind and the body has been documented by many studies published in respected journals (7).

During hot and humid summer days, a familiar discomfort is caused by the fact that air becomes negative ion-depleted. Difficulties in breathing due to asthma and respiratory allergies in hot and humid air may have less to do with the amount of oxygen in the air than with massive negative ion depletion. Air electricity is quickly conducted to the ground by moisture in the air and what negative ions are left attach themselves to the dust and contaminant particles and lose their charge. This leaves a preponderance of positive charge in the air. On the other hand, a cold winter sunny day makes a person more cheerful and energetic because of higher ratio of negative ions in the air as air is much less humid.

Normal ion count in fresh country air is 2000-4000 of negative ions per milliliter (cc). At a large water fall the count can go as much as 100,000 negative ions per cc (1). You might have felt refreshed near the ocean, a water fall, or taking a walk or opening a window while traveling (by a vehicle). Energy of falling water frees electrons from neutral particles of air adding to proportion of negative ions. That is why probably in some cultures, falling water fountains are considered to be good asset of a healthy landscape. Many of our practices increase the level of positive ions. They are produced by combustion, electronic equipment, and synthetic materials and fabrics.

The acceptable minimum concentration of negative ions for indoor air is 200-300 ions per cc. The optimal level is 1000-1500 negative ions per cc (3). On a sea-shore a ratio of about 2000 negative to 1000 positive ions exists to which human beings seem to respond most favorably (6).

Studies done at Toyota Central R & D Labs (5) indicated that negative air ions can improve fatigue and cognition of the drivers. In this study an exposure to 10,000 ions per cc was used. Artificial aero ionizing techniques in confined spaces have been used and are being used at some places in the world. Even large-scale techniques have been investigated to modify ion status of air for inducing desired side effects over a large area of general human population and the animal kingdom (2).
References:

1. Anonymous 2005. Negative ions-vitamins of the air. www.ameripure.net/cuspages/ionvitamin.htm
   
2. Cramer, G. 2004. Positive ion ban proposal. www.superforce.com/email-releases/pib.htm
   
3. Jokl, M. 1989. Microenvironment. The theory and practice of indoor climate. Thomas, Illinois
   
4. Mann, D. 2002. Negative ions create positive vibes. WebMD Feature
   
5. Sakakibara, K. 2002. Influence of negative ions on drivers. R & D Review of Toyota CRDL Vol. 37 No. 1 (2002. 3)
   
6. Soyka, F. 1977. The ion effect. Lester and Orpen Limited
   
7. Terman, M. and J. S. Terman. 1995. Seasonal affective disorder (negative ions effect). Journal of Alternative and Comparative Medicine. Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center.
   

Daily exposure to indoor contaminants can be from two to five times higher — sometimes as much as 100 times higher — than exposure to what’s outside.

Everyone in the family is at risk. Children spend even more of their time at home. So do the elderly and infirm.

Not only do you need an air filtration system that can help you make sure that your family is breathing cleaner air, but it also needs to make the air healthier!

Ions are charged atoms or molecules -- the "negative" ones are produced by oxygen atoms can help provide a fresh-air feeling.

This technology is used extensively in air filtration products in Asia, particularly in Japan, where scientists have long studied the relationship between ions with a negative charge in the air and human comfort.

High amounts of these ions are found in certain natural settings.They increase in forests and near waterfalls. A walk through a forest or by a mountain stream feels soothing and relaxing — the Japanese regard this as therapy for mental stress, and they call it shinrinyoku, “forest-air breathing.”

We can create that forest-air breathing inside our homes, thanks to the modern technology of negative ion generators --

These air purification systems with negative ion generation also:

1. Help balance air conditioning

   Household air conditioners actually reduce the number ofions with a negative charge.

2. Are widely studied and widely adopted

Research on these ions and human relaxation has been conducted byleading universities and medical institutes and by internationaltechnical societies.

There is a clean ion generator - that not only cleans the air and adds healthy ions, but also includes unique technology that operates without an unwanted effect of ion production — ozone.

Ozone is Dangerous.
Don't Bring it into Your Home!

The American Lung Association cites thousands of scientificclinical studies that prove the harmful effect of inhaled ozone on health.

A surprising fact: many home air filters and purifiers for sale and in current use rely on technology that actually produces ozone.

Public health authorities and legislators are already recognizing this danger. In 2007 the state of California, acting on the recommendation of its Air Resources Board, enacted a lawforbidding the sale of any home air filter device that emits ozone. Other states are expected to follow this lead.

In reviewing these dangerous products, the California AirResources Board specified the alternative — safe and effectiveair purifiers which employ a HEPA filter.

Green and Quiet

It should use minimal energy. The Nikken company produces one such well-rounded system: It cleans the air, adds negatively-charged ions, and at its maximum power setting, the Power5 Pro consumes only 43 watts of electricity, and at its lowest speed, uses 5 watts. Other home air units that cover a comparable room area require twice as much electric power.

The Power5 Pro has been awarded the Energy Star designation from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The Energy Star is given only to a room air cleaner that is at least 35% more efficient than a standard model, and saves its owner a minimum of 215 kilowatt-hours per year.

When you use your Power5 Pro, you know that you’re clearing the air inside your home at a lower cost — in your electric bill, and to our ecosystem.