Negative Ions Articles and Studies
Information on Negative Ions
and the
Benefits of Negative Ions to Our Health
There are many benefits of Negative Ions stemming from
the fact that negative ions
attach themselves to airborne particles such as dust, pollen,
smoke and dander, causing them to drop from the air.
Because the air is free of these allergens, many people notice that it is
easier to breathe. For more information on negative ions and the benefits of
negative ions to our health, the following information is presented:
Negative Ion Studies
Studies Proving the Effectiveness
of Negative Ion Generators, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture - A recent study
by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture found that ionizing a room led to 52%
less dust in the air, and 95% less bacteria in the air (since many of
the pollutants found in the air reside on floating dust particles).
The U.S.D.A. also performed
another study to test the effectiveness of negative ionization at
removing airborne Salmonella Enteritidis. The negative ions drastically
reduced the airborne salmonella particles, prompting the following
statement from the USDA:
"These results indicate that
negative air ionization can have a significant impact on the
airborne microbial load in a poultry house and at least a portion of
this effect is through direct killing of the organisms."
(Summary
of Study from USDA Website)
Good Housekeeping Magazine - In
March of 1999, Good Housekeeping Magazine had its engineers test an
ionizer by using a smoke test, and found that it cleared out the smoke
in a tank.
Agriculture Research Service (of
USDA) - The Agriculture Research Service of the U.S. Dept. of
Agriculture tested the effectiveness of ionizers for removing dust in a
poultry hatchery. The dust level is very high in such an environment. In
this study, the use of an ionizer resulted in dust removal efficiencies
that averaged between 81.1 and 92.2%. The airborne transmission of
salmonella (to the eggs) was also significantly reduced as a result.
(Summary of Study)
Journal of Hygiene - Scientists
showed that ionization reduced bacterial levels in burns and plastic
surgery units by over 96% after a two week period, which results in much
better and more rapid healing of patients.
Journal of Applied Microbiology -
The use of negative ions was even found by scientists to reduce the
presence of airborne viruses by about 40%. A study featured in the 1987
issue also showed the negative ions are free from any adverse side
effects.
Science - A 1976 study featured
in this publication provided evidence that negative ions can have a
biologically lethal effect on airborne microorganisms.
Journal of Hygiene - A 1979 study
found that using negative ionization in the air protected chickens from
airborne infection of the deadly Newcastle Disease Virus.
Journal of Food Protection - A
2001 study found that airborne negative ionization was highly effective
at destroying airborne and surface salmonella.
University of Medicine and
Pharmacy (Romania) - A test on male rats showed that just moderate
levels of negative ions increased the resistance of the rats, reducing
or eliminating the effect of some chemicals. (Summary
of Study)
Effect of Negative Ions on
Drivers - A study by Toyota Central R & D Labs, Inc. found that negative
ions can improve fatigue and cognition of drivers.
Surround Multi-Tech Xj-3000 Test Results:
More Studies:
More Articles
Additional References
- Baron, R. Effects of negative ions on cognitive
performance. Journal of Applied Psychology 72:131-137, 1987.
- Charry, J. Biological effects of small air ions:
a review of findings and methods. Environmental Research 34:351-389,
1984.
- Hawkins, L. The influence of air ions,
temperature and humidity on subjective well-being and comfort.
Journal of Environmental Psychology 1:279-292, 1981.
- Jackson, J. et al. Influence of serotonin on the
immune response. Immunology 54:505-512, 1985.
- Kotaka, S. Effects of air ions on microorganisms
and other biological materials. CRC Critical Reviews in
Microbiology: 6:109-149,1978.
- Krueger, A & E. Reed. Biological impact of small
air ions. Science 193:1209-1213, 1976.
- Sulman, F. The effect of air ionisation electric
fields, atmospherics and other electric phenomena on man and
animals. Springfield, IL: C.C. Thomas, 1980.
