Ions are nothing more than atoms or molecules that have gained or lost an electron. Those that have lost an electron are called positive ions, while those that have gained an electron are negative ions.
Nature produces both negative and positive ions in abundance and in almost equal proportion ( a ratio of five positive to four negative ions). Most negative ions are created by the breakdown of natural radium in the earth’s crust to radon gas. High levels of negative air ions are also created by lightning, rolling surf crashing on rocks, cosmic rays, waterfalls and UV light.
Ions form only a part of the air we breathe, but it is the most important part. Science has shown that positively charged air has a debilitating effect while the presence of negative ions stimulates and energises, at the same time destroying airborne bacteria and mould spores.
It has been noted that the negative ion levels are high in pine forests, and this is due to air currents swirling over the sharp needles on the outside of certain species of pine needles.
It provides a possible explanation for the lack of fungus and moss growing in these forests – natural ionisation destroys the airborne spores. On the other hand, positive ions occur in unnaturally high levels in cities, not just in the streets but in air conditioned buildings with hermetically sealed windows. The average home is also rife with the unhealthy positive ions. The atmosphere in homes can be more harmfull to the health than a city street at peak hour.
Studies carried out in the 1980s by Dr Lesley Hawkins, senior lecturer at the University of Surrey, demonstrated the importance of ionisers in office environments. It supports earlier research by Dr Walter Stark of Switzerland who conducted similar tests in office building. These results that were supported by Dr Charles Haller, showed that when negative ion generators were installed, sickness rates fell by 66% and staff reported feeling generally healthier and more alert. Overall absenteeism plummeted by an amazing 92.5%
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