What is an Ioniser and what does it do?

For the non scientific amongst us, an ion is an oxygen or nitrogen molecule that has had one or more electrons added or removed. The molecule that gains the electrons becomes negatively charged and is called, suprisingly, a negative ion. The molecule that loses the electrons becomes positively charged and naturally we call that a positive ion. This negative/positive state only lasts for about 30 seconds after which time the balance is restored and they revert back to being normal oxygen and nitrogen molecules. In the natural world this process of creating ions is constantly taking place.

Every living thing on this planet has evolved in an ionised atmosphere. Ions are as essential to life as oxygen is, and the air that we breathe, even at it's cleanest cannot support organic life without Ions.

As you may be aware there are a number of layers that protect the earth from the rays of the sun, you must have heard of the Ozone layer but have you heard of the ionosphere. Sunlight increases the negative ions in the ionosphere. Rain, breaking waves, waterfalls, fountains, domestic power showers and even natural radiation from rocks increases negative ions.

Approaching thunderstorms increase the number of Positive ions, so do dry dust-laden winds, humans just breathing and also radiant electric heating. Negative and positive ions are both reduced by air pollution (smoke, dust, city air, exhaust vapours, industrial pollution), ventilation shafts, filters, chillers or grilles, synthetic fabrics & furnishings and even the positive static charges that develop on TV and computer screens.

A lack of ions has an effect on the human metabolism, both negative and positive ions electro-statically strip pollutants from the air. For most people negative ions lead to improved mental alertness and health, while positive ions cause headaches, lethargy, tension, irritability and discomfort.

Over 50 years of research in hospitals, universities and institutes has demonstrated that increased negative ions produce a wide range of benefits for most people, with a total absence of adverse side effects. High concentrations of negative ions can have a 'normalising' effect on various neuro-hormones, providing effective relief for a wide range of respiratory and tension conditions. The effects of negative ion depletion are similar to positive ion excess, for many it means headaches, lethargy, tension, irritability and a general feeling of stuffiness and discomfort. Extra-sensitive people may also suffer asthma attacks, migraine, nausea and depression with the consequent effects on their personal health and performance.

In the natural world ions are formed by cosmic radiation, waves breaking on the beach and falling water. Indoors ions can be created using an ioniser. Ionisers create a strong, but safe electrical field in the form of a small corona. This corona is responsible for turning nearby air molecules into ions. Once ionised the air molecules electro-statically propel themselves into the surrounding air, making the surrounding area as invigorating as a mountain top or waterfall.

One question we do get asked quite often is "Do your ionisers create ozone?" to which the simple answer is "No", there is no measurable ozone created by ionisers.