AIR IONS - FAQS

What are air-ions?
Air ions are gas molecules with an electric charge. They are a natural component of clean air. An ion is an oxygen or nitrogen molecule that has one or more electrons added or removed. A molecule that gains electrons becomes negatively charged and is called a negative ion. A molecule that loses electrons becomes positively charged and is called a positive ion. An ion tends to last about 30 seconds after which its reverts to an ordinary uncharged molecule. Nature is constantly replenishing ions. Your ioniser also needs to constantly replenish ions for the same reason.

How are ions formed?
In Nature ions are formed in several different ways: when cosmic radiation acts on gas molecules, by falling water, raindrops striking the ground, waves breaking or waterfalls. In all cases a gas molecule loses one (or more) electrons. The free electron then attaches to another molecule. The molecule with the extra electron is a negative ion; the molecule that lost an electron is the positive ion. Place your mouse over the picture to see two molecules become ions ...

Why are ions important?
Every living organism on this planet evolved in an ionised atmosphere. Ions are as essential as oxygen to life. Air, even clean air, which is completely devoid of negative ions cannot support organic life. Ions are Nature's clean air system. They are naturally formed in pairs outdoors: a negative ion and a positive ion. As long as the balance between them is maintained all is well, but in the modern indoor environment - for the first time in our evolutionary history - it rarely is.

What alters the natural ion balance?
Negative ions are increased by sunlight acting on the ionosphere, rain, surf, waterfalls, fountains, domestic power showers and the radiation in underlying bedrock. Positive ions are increased by approaching thunderstorms, dry dust-laden winds, human respiration indoors and radiant electric heating. Both negative and positive ions are reduced by air pollution (smoke, dust, city air, exhaust vapours, industrial pollution), grounding when passing through ducts, filters, chillers or grilles and positive static charges on VDU screens, synthetic fabrics & furnishing.

How do ions affect us?
Ions affect human metabolism. Also, both negative and positive ions electrostatically strip pollutants from the air. For most people negative ions lead to improved mental alertness and health and positive ions cause headaches, lethargy, tension, irritability and discomfort.

Over 50 years of research by hospitals, universities and institutes has demonstrated that increasing the number of negative ions produces a wide range of benefits for most people, with a total absence of adverse side effects. High concentrations of negative ions can have a 'normalising' effect on various neuro-hormones, providing effective relief for a wide range of respiratory and tension conditions.

The effects of negative ion depletion are similar to positive ion excess ... for many it means headaches, lethargy, tension, irritability and a general feeling of stuffiness and discomfort. Extra-sensitive people may suffer asthma attacks, migraine, nausea and depression with consequent effects on their personal health and performance in the workplace.