Why Ions are so important to your quality of life

Most people are aware of the health benefits of negative ions and know that they are essential for our health and well being.The fresh, invigorating air after a thunderstorm, by the seaside or high on a mountain top, is caused by the high concentration of negative ions in the air. And the feelings of lethargy that most of us feel in highly polluted areas, air conditioned offices etc., are usually caused by a high proportion of positive ions. Our wellbeing, energy and our efficiency are highly dependent on the quality of the air we breathe. The quality of the air depends on the kind of electrical charge (positively, negatively charged or neutral particles) and on the concentration of the ions. Our environment has far more sources of positive ions than in the past, creating an electrical imbalance in the air.

Today, at the beginning of the 21st century we can hardly imagine living without many electrical devices such as heating and cooling systems, computers, transmitters, televisions and mobile phones. These all produce positive ions which are detrimental to our health. They make it easier for us to work in the office, at home, they entertain us. However, we often do not realize that they are also a source of very harmful positive ions, the so-called electric smog. The harmful effects of electric smog, resulting in the concentration of positive ions, deteriorates the condition of air in rooms, this then negatively affects our physical and emotional state. Positive ions also result from exhaust fumes and cigarette smoke.

Scientists have found that the air's composition of negative ions should usually be between 1000-1500/cm3. Measurements have shown that the number of negative ions decreases to 200/cm3 in a closed room containing several people. Scientific studies show that salt crystal lamps can increase the negative ion count by up to 300%. Negative ions are created naturally by wind, sunlight, surf, waterfalls and rainstorms. Generally, a negative ion is an electronically charged molecule made up of oxygen. A positive ion in the air is a molecule that has lost its electrons through the process of air pollution. In ordinary, fresh country air we find up to 4000 negative ions per cubic centimetre and near strong surf or close to a waterfall up to 10.000 negative ions can be found. This can decrease to less than 100 in major cities during the rush hour!