As an expert in the field of air quality and its impact on human health, I have spent years researching the effects of negative ions on our bodies.
Negative ions
are electrically charged particles that are found in the air we breathe. They have been a topic of interest for over a century, and their potential benefits and risks continue to be studied. One of the main benefits of negative ions is their ability to make our bodies feel recharged and rejuvenated. This is because negative ion concentrations are significantly higher in the breathable atmosphere compared to positive ions.In fact, virtually all particles in the air are positively charged, while negative ions are negatively charged. When there is a high concentration of negative ions in the air, they will attract floating particles in large quantities. This causes the particles to become too heavy to remain in the air, and they will eventually fall out and be collected through normal cleaning activities such as vacuuming or dusting. However, there are also potential risks associated with negative ions. Additional electrical charges released into the air by ionizers can cause dangerous levels of electrical charge in our homes. Unlike air filtration methods, where air passes through a filter to remove contaminants, very little research has been done on the efficacy and side effects of ionizing devices. In fact, a recent study funded by the Singapore Millennium Foundation project found that ionizers had an adverse effect on heart rate variability (HRV), which is a measure of cardiovascular health.
This means that any potential benefits to the lungs may come at a cost to our heart health. Another study conducted on school classrooms also showed mixed results. While reducing particle concentrations resulted in some improvements in respiratory health for children aged 11 to 14, it also had a negative impact on HRV. Despite these concerns, negative ions continue to be widely used for air cleaning. They are created in nature when air molecules break up due to sunlight, radiation, and the movement of air and water. In fact, the concentration of negative ions in the air (NAI) is considered an essential indicator of urban air quality and the effects of forests on human health. Since people spend more than 80% of their time indoors, indoor air pollution can have an equal or even greater impact on our health compared to outdoor pollution.
This is why it is crucial to understand the effects of negative ions on our indoor air quality. 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 settle in the air faster. These devices are often marketed to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In my research, I have found that negative ion concentrations can vary depending on factors such as solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity, season, weather, and geographical location. They can also be affected by air quality index and forest vegetation. To better understand the effects of negative ions on indoor air quality, I conducted laboratory tests by taking samples of particles and gases in a large chamber and in a field test with an ionizing device installed in an air treatment unit servicing a building with busy offices.
