As an expert in the field of human health, I have dedicated years to studying the effects of ions on the human body. These tiny charged particles play a crucial role in our overall well-being, and understanding their impact is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Electrolytes, which are found in body fluids, are responsible for regulating osmotic pressure in cells. When dissolved in water, these chemicals produce charged ions that allow electrical signals to flow through the body. An ion is simply an atom or group of atoms with an electrical charge. There are two types of ions: cations, which are positively charged, and anions, which are negatively charged.
While both types are important for our health, it is the negative ions that have a particularly rejuvenating effect on the body. In fact, negative ion concentrations are significantly higher in the breathable atmosphere, which is why we often feel refreshed and recharged when exposed to them. Negative ions are created naturally in the environment through processes such as sunlight, radiation, and moving air and water. The concentration of negative ions in the air (NAI) can vary depending on factors such as solar radiation, air temperature and humidity, season, weather conditions, air quality index, geographic location, and forest vegetation. In a recent study conducted in Beijing, 44 students were selected to use commercial anion air purifiers for 5 weeks. The purpose of this study was to monitor indoor concentrations of NAI, PM (particulate matter), black carbon (BC), and ozone and observe changes in the volunteers' heart rate variability (HRV).
The results showed that ionizers were effective in increasing NAI levels indoors. Ionizers work by discharging electrical currents into the air through a process known as the corona effect, similar to what happens during a thunderstorm. While negative ions have been known for over 100 years and are widely used for air cleaning, it is important to note that ionizers can also release additional electrical charges into the air, which can be dangerous if not properly regulated. My research has been funded by the Singapore Millennium Foundation project “Biobased strategies for improving indoor air quality by increasing the release of negative ions into the air”. This is just one example of the growing interest in urban air quality and the role that negative ions play in it. In fact, NAI concentrations are now considered an essential indicator of urban air quality and the effects of forests on human health. As we spend more than 80% of our time indoors, it is crucial to pay attention to indoor air pollution and its impact on our health.
Previous studies have shown that indoor air pollution can have an equal or even greater effect on human health compared to ambient air pollution. Therefore, it is important to consider ways to increase NAI levels indoors, such as using ionizers or spending more time in natural environments with high levels of negative ions.
