As an expert in the field of air purification, I have spent years studying the effects of ionized air on the human body. It is a topic that has gained a lot of attention in recent years, with the rise in popularity of air ionizers and their claimed benefits. But what exactly does ionized air do to our bodies? And are these devices really as effective and safe as they claim to be?To understand the effects of ionized air, we must first understand how it works. An air ionizer releases negative ions into the air, which attach to particles and cause them to clump together and fall onto surfaces that can be easily cleaned.
This helps to purify the air space in a room, preventing the growth of mold, bacteria, and viruses. But what happens to these particles after they have been clumped together? According to research, the mist disappears from the air within 7 minutes, and any remaining germs are eliminated within 2 to 3 hours. This makes ionizers a popular choice for busy environments such as schools and office buildings. However, there is some concern about the by-products that may be formed when negative ions react with other compounds present in indoor air. These by-products, such as formaldehyde and ozone, can be harmful to our health. Additionally, ions can quickly bind to other gases and stimulate the formation of new “ultrafine” particles, which are known as air pollutants.
While there is limited independent data on these mechanisms, it is something that we as experts must continue to monitor. In fact, one study conducted by Dr. Michael Terman concluded that negative ionization of air can improve symptoms of seasonal and chronic depression. The study also found that when ionizers produced greater production, they were even more effective at purifying the air from smaller particles. This is just one of the many benefits that ionized air can have on our bodies. With the market for air purifiers booming, it is important to note that not all air cleaning technologies are created equal.
A recent study found that some air cleaning methods marketed for COVID-19 may be ineffective and even have unforeseen health consequences. Unlike air filtration, which passes air through a filter to remove contaminants, very little research has been done on the efficacy and side effects of additive air cleaning methods such as ionizing devices. Interestingly, another study found that people with a morning chronotype (early risers) benefit the most from the negative ionization of high-density air. This further highlights the potential benefits of ionized air on our mood and overall well-being.
The Health Impacts of Ionized Air
While there is still much to be learned about the effects of ionized air on our bodies, a small number of recent studies have raised some concerns. One of the most popular types of air purifiers on the market today are ion generating systems, including “bipolar ionization” devices that electrically charge particles to help them settle in the air faster.These devices are often marketed as being able to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. But what about their impact on our health? According to experts, it is recommended to use an air ionizer after cleaning the air with a purifier and operating a humidifier for best performance. An ionizer is a device that allows air to pass through and generates positive and negative oxygen ions, which can have various effects on our bodies.
The Need for Further Research
As an expert in this field, I believe that there is still much to be learned about the effects of ionized air on our bodies. That is why I am proud to have been a part of the Singapore Millennium Foundation project “Biobased strategies for improving indoor air quality by increasing the release of negative ions into the air”. This research has shed some light on the potential benefits of ionized air, but there is still much more to be explored. For example, a study conducted by the Columbia group compared daily exposure to ionized air with bright light therapy for chronic depression.The results showed that ionized air had similar effects to antidepressant medications, making it a promising alternative treatment option.
