What is an ion?
An ion is an atom, or a group of atoms with a net electrical charge. They are formed when protons or electrons are gained or lost by an atom. A simple ion is made up of only one atom that has either a negative (anions) or a positive (cations) charge.
Put simply, ions are atoms or molecules in which the number of protons is different to the number of electrons. Because they are either positively or negatively charged, ions are always mobile and are moving around us all the time.
Where are negative ions found?
Everywhere!
Negative Ions are odorless tasteless molecules that are breathed into our respiratory system. High concentrations of negative ions can be found in nature in mountain forests, waterfalls, and beaches where people feel energized and invigorated, which helps relieve stress and boost energy. Anion in air is like vitamin in food, greatly benefits people’s health and everyday routine, therefore it is also being referred to as vitamin in air, which can facilitate body growth and disease prevention.
Why Negative Ions Have a Positive Effect on the Human Body
Experiencing headache, uneasiness or sudden nausea in an overcrowded room is a common problem. Sometimes even in an air-conditioned room you might experience these problems. Reason? Lack of negative ions in the room.
Don’t go by the name, there is nothing negative or unhealthy about negative ions. Negative ions are beneficial for the human body while positive ions are harmful. In fact, you will find the highest concentrations of negative ions in natural, clean air. Ions are invisible charged particles in the air – either molecules or atoms, which bear an electric charge. Some particles are positively charged and some are negatively charged. To put it simply, positive ions are molecules that have lost one or more electrons whereas negative ions are actually oxygen atoms with extra-negatively-charged electrons. Negative ions are abundant in nature, especially around waterfalls, on the ocean surf, at the beach and after a storm. They are widespread in mountains and forests.
Negative ions are present in the air we breathe in and they are also present in our bodies. The degree to which negative ions contribute to overall well-being and health is scientifically proven:
- Provides Clean and Fresh Air to breathe.
- Provides the feeling of wellbeing.
- Decreases fear and nervousness.
- Improves lung function.
- Promotes relaxation.
- Lowers resting heart rate.
- Enhances concentration and learning ability.
- Increases metabolism, normalising weight.
- Neutralize free radicals.
- Revitalize cell metabolism.
- Enhance immune function.
- They balance the autonomic nervous system, promoting deep sleepand healthy digestion.
On the other hand, in polluted cities, crowded areas and in confined spaces such as offices, industrial areas, schools and cars, you will find the highest concentration of unhealthy positive ions.
The most important benefit of negative ions is that they clear the air of airborne allergens such as pollen, mold spores, bacteria and viruses. Besides they also clear the air of dust, pet dander and cigarette smoke. Negative ions perform this function by attaching themselves to positively charged particles in large numbers and negatively charging those particles. As a result, these viruses, bacteria and pollen spores become too heavy to remain airborne and are thus prevented from entering your breathing passage where they can make you fall sick. In other words, negative ions form a protective circle around you.
Facts About Negative Ions
- Tasteless, Odorless.
- Urban areas typically have much lower concentrations of Negative Ions in the air than rural areas.
- Ionization is mandatory in many European and Russian Hospitals.
- 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.
- 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).
