What is air ionization: the harm and benefits of using an ionizer + how to choose the right one

Aeroionification or ionization of air is the filling of it with oxygen and nitrogen ions. In nature, this is a natural process triggered by lightning discharges or occurring under the influence of cosmic rays.

In a closed room, the percentage of air ions in the air is negligible - 18 times lower than necessary for a comfortable stay in it.

We will look at what needs to be done to improve the situation in our article. Why let us analyze the features of ionization and its sources. We will also pay attention to the subtleties of choosing a device, the nuances of its use and maintenance.

Ionization sources and their features

When we talk about ionization, we mean the presence in the air of charged molecules - with a plus or minus charge (aeroins), as well as aerodispersions - charged particles of a slightly larger size.

In addition to dividing into positive and negative, air ions are divided into light and heavy. The former include molecules, atoms or their groups consisting of a maximum of 15 elements. The second is the merging of the first with particles of dust and steam.

Air ionization is characterized by the following hygienic indicators:

• number and mass of ions of opposite charges;
• unipolarity coefficient;
• clogging factor.

In 1 cm of clean air, as a rule, there are 1-3 thousand pairs of light ions. The ratio of the number of plus and minus ions is the unipolarity coefficient.The optimal value is 1.2-1.3.

The ratio of the sum of equally charged heavy particles to light ones is the pollution coefficient. The normal value is a maximum of 50. As pollution increases, the number of heavy ions increases and, accordingly, the number of light ions decreases.

Light ions have a beneficial effect on humans, especially in the presence of certain diseases. Heavy ions increase blood pressure, cause various pathologies, fatigue, headaches

The main sources of ionization are:

1. Cosmic radiation, as well as radiation from certain rocks of the earth.
2. UV radiation, having a wavelength of maximum 200 nm.
3. Hot surfaces, open fire. In this case, the phenomenon is called thermal ionization.
4. Water splashes. These are fountains, waterfalls, mountain rivers.

All this is natural ionization, and the artificial process is carried out using special devices - ionizers. They are designed to improve indoor air quality by filling it with ions.

There are two types of devices for air ionization: unipolar and bipolar. Next, let's look at each of these types in more detail.

Type #1 - unipolar ionizer

How indoor air ionization occurs and what it is in general, whether it is useful or not - let's take a closer look at these questions.

Let's consider the features of the operation of a unipolar device, the pros and cons for humans from air artificially saturated with ions.

In recent years, ionizers have begun to be in active demand. Young parents select similar equipment for their babies’ rooms. Manufacturers have actively responded to this by offering ionizers for use in children's rooms.

The meaning of the unipolar type of ionizer is as follows:

1. Neutral oxygen molecules are attached to free electrons with a negative charge.
2. As a result of the addition of an additional electron, a new particle is formed - an air ion or an oxygen ion with a negative charge.

Due to this process, the air is enriched and its biological activity increases. The task of the ionizer is to create a flow of particles with a negative charge between electrons of different polarities under the influence of external stimuli.

In order for electrons to knock out additional electrons from neutrally charged air molecules, their speed must be high enough

Due to this, the total amount of flux rushing towards positively charged ions increases. Streams of particles of opposite charges cause an electrical discharge in the air. As a result, the formation of plus and minus oxygen ions occurs continuously.

The air mass ionized with the help of a blower is distributed throughout the room. There are design options for ionizers, built-in and separate.

Whether it is useful to carry out the process of ionization of air in an apartment or, conversely, harmful, we will try to figure it out.

Benefits of air ionization

When a person experiences a lack of air ions, the body begins to overproduce hormones such as histamine and serotonin.

An excessive amount of them provokes oxygen starvation of cells due to disruption of the lungs. This can result in headaches, increased fatigue, asthma attacks, depression and anxiety.

Having been in a room where the air is saturated with negative ions, there is no doubt about the usefulness of ionization.Although medicine does not give clear advice on this matter, a similar method is often used in clinics.

Ionization is used as a concomitant therapy in the treatment of asthma, the circulatory system, high blood pressure, and the central nervous system

The effectiveness of ionized air is due to the fact that when filled with air ions, it stimulates red blood cells and they begin to work more actively. At the same time, gas exchange in the lungs increases by 10%.

Due to this, the following positive processes are observed:

1. The quality of sleep improves, which means that rest becomes complete.
2. Performance indicators increase.
3. Immunity grows, well-being improves.
4. The psychological state returns to normal. This is valuable in the treatment of neuroses and depression.
5. The metabolic rate increases, and this alleviates the symptoms of diseases and reduces the duration of their course.
6. Appearance changes for the better.
7. The negative impact of radiation from household electrical appliances is reduced.

In addition to all of the above, many observe that ions have a beneficial effect on skin receptors, while reducing pain sensitivity.

Judging by the reviews, it can be noted that if you have such ailments as acne, psoriasis and similar diseases, you can improve your condition by using this device.

Ionization, due to its beneficial effects on the skin, may well become an alternative to cosmetic procedures. This is only possible if the device is used correctly.

The ionizer will benefit office workers who spend more than two hours in front of a computer monitor.For those who are forced to stay in a confined space for a long time, the ionizer will also be useful.

The main disadvantages of using the device

Ionization has one unpleasant property - the charge is transferred to all particles present in the air. This means that both dust and microorganisms that are in the air of the room are charged.

They begin to be attracted to various surfaces. As a result, a dust deposit forms around the ionizer and on the furniture. If wet cleaning is done infrequently, it will all become airborne again.

If this charged dust enters the lungs, it can cause dangerous illnesses. Conclusion - ionization is dangerous in contaminated rooms. There are countries where the sale of ionizers is prohibited.

In existing types of ionizers, the key operating principle is preserved. They differ in technical characteristics and filter features. These points influence the method of air ionization

The electrostatic background created indoors by negative air ions is also harmful. Under its influence, its charge is transferred both to synthetic things and to the person himself. Ionization cannot be carried out when there are people in the room.

The next harmful factor is ozone. It is a product accompanying ionization. Its presence is evidenced by the smell of post-storm freshness.

Despite the pleasant smell, ozone is a strong oxidizing agent, which is harmful to the body. Feeling its presence, the room needs to be ventilated urgently.

How to reduce the negative moments of ionization?

The main danger of the procedure lies in the composition of ionized air. It is not entirely natural for human lungs.Large numbers of charged particles can be harmful to the respiratory tract.

Experts recommend ionizing the air using an ionizer with a timer. It is set for a certain time period before leaving the house

Many manufacturers supplement their devices with ultraviolet lamps. This is good, on the one hand, since ultraviolet radiation destroys microbes. On the other hand, at high radiation levels, the lamp produces ozone. This lamp is quite often purchased for home use. We talked about the features of its application and the intricacies of choosing a UV lamp in this material.

So, if the ionizer is equipped with a powerful UV lamp, it is better not to use it. When there are people in the house who are very sensitive to ozone, the air should not be ionized either.

Type #2 - bipolar ionizer

Manufacturers claim that air enriched with a bipolar device does not have the inherent disadvantages of using a unipolar device.

Natural air masses contain both positive and negative ions. Unipolar ionization does not exist here. There are 20% more positive air ions.

A bipolar ionizer is capable of completely simulating a natural process. In this case, ions can be supplied into the air in portions, independently setting the concentration. In addition, air ionized in this way helps prevent magnetization of objects.

Bipolar ionization does not increase the electrostatic background in the room. It makes adjustments to the air imbalance and creates an atmosphere in composition and properties close to the norms

This method of ionization also has disadvantages.The bipolar ionizer is structurally designed in such a way that negative and positive ions are not produced simultaneously, but alternately, in portions.

Their clusters are something like clouds. One contains only negative ions, the other contains exclusively positive ions. In nature they are constantly moving and mixing, but in a closed space this is not the case.

The device has a fan, and useful particles are distributed along the length of its air stream. For this reason, they are concentrated mainly only in the area of ​​the ionizer.

Bipolar ionization is better than monopolar, but provided that there is good air circulation in the room. To do this, you need to properly organize the influx, for example using supply valve to the wall or valves for windows, and adjust the operation of the hood. Then natural stirring will help establish the ionic balance.

Soft ionization using a salt lamp

When the internal space is ionized with a salt lamp, negative ions are also released, and under the influence of humidity they spread throughout the room.

This lamp can be kept on constantly. In this case, uniform, continuous and soft ionization occurs.

The heated lamp emits negative particles of iodine, chlorine, and sodium. They heal both the environment and the human body, neutralizing fungi, viruses, harmful fumes, and block electromagnetic radiation

This ionization method is recommended for use in respiratory diseases, allergies, diabetes, and rheumatism. It also promotes psychological relief.

The only condition is that ionization cannot be carried out in the bathroom or other places where there is access to water.Otherwise, excess moisture will cause the lamp to simply fall apart.

A salt lamp weighing 3 kg can carry out effective ionization in a room with a maximum area of ​​12 m². If the room is larger, you need a large ionizer or a chandelier consisting of a certain number of salt lamps.

Carrying out air enrichment using this method has no contraindications. Although there are cases of individual intolerance, they are very rare. Still, you need to get used to it gradually, carefully monitoring the body’s reaction.

Features of ionization in a car

Air masses enter inside the car not only from the outside. The driver mainly breathes what is inside the cabin. There is a mixture of fumes from upholstery, cigarette smoke, trim, perfume, and sometimes even carbon monoxide.

Those who spend a lot of time on the road suffer from fatigue and headaches. All this is due to a lack of negative anions. Moreover, the products of incomplete combustion of carbon can cause poisoning.

Periodically opening windows will not help in this case, so the air in the car interior should also be ionized. For this purpose, a small-sized device has been developed - a specially designed ionizer.

The device operates on the same principle as a conventional household ionizer. Devices with filters ionize the air more effectively, but we should not forget that they are not replaceable. At the end of its service life, the device must be replaced

If there is a person suffering from ARVI in the cabin next to the driver, ionization is inappropriate and it is better to turn off the ionizer. The reason is the faster spread of infection in a confined space.

Good advice for buyers

The main rule is not to use the ionizer around the clock.Manufacturers in the instructions for each of their models indicate the period during which it should work.

Recommendations for choosing a device

It is extremely important that power the device corresponded area premises. High power in a small area will lead to oversaturation of the air with ozone molecules, and this is harmful to the body.

But from a weak device you may not feel the expected effect.

Ionization is not the only requirement when creating a normal microclimate. Humidification plus ionization is a more competent solution. The best option is a steam humidifier with an ionizer. You can use it to scent the air in the room.

Also, when choosing, you should pay attention to manufacturer — well-known and reliable brands offer devices of decent quality and provide a guarantee for their products. We have listed the best offers of ionizers on the market in next article.

Features of care and operation

The location where the device is installed is also of great importance. There are manufacturer recommendations in this regard and they must be followed.

The instructions stipulate the optimal distance from vertical enclosing structures and other electrical equipment. Subject to these conditions of use, ionization will be both as effective and safe as possible.

Such an aspect as caring for a device that enriches the atmosphere in the house with useful ions is just as important as the previous conditions. In order for the air to be truly clean and healthy for those living in the house, the device must be cleaned regularly.

The opinion of doctors regarding air ionization is ambiguous. Some recommend using it, but correctly. Others are categorically against performing this procedure at home.

Ionization does not cancel ventilation at all. Quite the contrary - before turning on the ionizer, the apartment must be ventilated - open the windows or, alternatively, use air conditioner with supply fresh air.

Ionization should absolutely not be used for cancer patients. Since the produced particles enhance metabolism, tissue nutrition improves, including malignant cells.

Elevated temperature also causes the impossibility of air ionization. The reason is the same - increased metabolism will further raise the temperature.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Demonstration of the air ionization process:

Ionization and ionizer for car:

Some experts talk about an overdose of ions in the body. Others believe that this statement is erroneous. The argument is that oxygen is transported to cells by hemoglobin molecules, and they are capable of accepting a certain number of ions. The body removes excess particles outside, so they do not cause harm.

Of course, it is necessary to ionize the air, but it is important to know and remember the contraindications. In any case, by following the recommendations, you can breathe tasty and fresh air in your home, like after a thunderstorm..

Do you use a household ionizer at home? Share your impressions of its use, tell us if you are satisfied with this model? Add a photo of your ionizer below under this publication, write recommendations for beginners on the care and operation of the device.

If you have any questions about choosing an ionizer, please ask our experts in the comments block below.