Ionized air
Ions are atoms with either extra electrons or missing electrons. Positive ions have lost an electron and negative ions have gained one. The more positive ions in the air, the staler and more polluted it is. Offices and homes generally have less fresh air circulating and are, therefore, stuffier and have more carbon dioxide, chemicals emitted by carpets and paint, dust and electrical equipment like computers all producing positive ions. Higher concentrations of positive ions make the air unhealthy to breathe.
Health Concerns
Nature's ionizer
Breathing stale, unhealthy air has been shown to lead to many physical and psychological illnesses, including headaches, bacterial infections, less resistance to disease, allergies, dry skin, lethargy and depression. When we are outdoors, we are breathing constantly freshened air due to the higher concentration of negative ions. The highest concentrations are found in areas around mountains, waterfalls, beaches and forests. A lightning storm breaks up molecules and forms millions of negative ions.
Increase Negative Ions
Because most of us spend most of our waking and sleeping hours indoors, it is in our best interest to improve the quality of the air we must breathe. A good way to do this is to reduce the number of positive ions in the air and increase the number of negative ions. The negative ions attract the positive ions and pull them out of the air. They fall to the ground, leaving behind cleaner air.
Machines That Ionize the Air
An excellent way to get more negative ions into the air is by using a negative ion generator. These generators are generally referred to as air-purifying ionizers. Machines that ionize air take in neutral and positive atoms and emit negative atoms. Breathing negative ion-enriched air makes most people feel invigorated, happier and refreshed.
Choosing an Ionizer
Ionizers come in various sizes and produce different levels of negative ions. For an ionizer to be effective and beneficial, it must produce a very high number of negative ions. It is important to take into account the size of the room where the machine will be placed. Some of these machines are small enough to be used in a car, but most are big enough to cover a medium- to large-sized room. More than one unit may be necessary, especially if the area to be covered is more than one story.
Benefits of Ionizing Machines
Machines that ionize the air do seem to provide cleaner, healthier air. According to Pierce J. Howard, PhD, author of "The Owners Manual for the Brain," breathing negative ions results in higher alertness and more mental energy. He also states that cleaner air decreases irritation due to inhaling particles that cause us to sneeze or cough, and it also provides a feeling of well-being. One reason for the mood elevation has been found to be the increased level of serotonin in the bloodstream caused by a higher intake of negative ions. Elevated serotonin levels have been associated with relieving depression.
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