I've wanted a negative ion generator for some time,
and today I went and bought a couple off eBay. they were very cheap. The full range of air-cleaners
and negative ion generators goes right up into the thousands of pounds but only to generate a few
negative ions, you can get them for as little as £3.
I did some digging into the health benefits of negative ions in the established scientific literature and
found the following studies which confirmed the reputed benefits of negative ion generators.
I do beleive that, as a species, we are subject to alot of electronic 'smog' radiation which wouldn't
otherwise have been present. (especially for us who spend a lot of time around electronics.)
I've done my best to stay away from any new-age websites madly touting health benefits of negative ion
generators without remaining skeptical and analysing them under reasonable experimental conditions,
Im trying to stick to my guns as a scientist here. As such, i've drawn on appropriate information, and referenced
it.
BACKGROUND
For greater than sixty years, controversy has surrounded the topic of air ions and their possible effects (both beneficial and adverse) on humans. Although many of the early studies were criticized for being flawed and results were frequently conflicting, the preponderance of them seemed to be in agreement that atmospheric (air) ions were at least active in biological systems. However, cause-effect relationships for human conditions or diseases were less conclusive and often contradictory. Unsubstantiated medical claims for ion generating devices and concern over ozone byproducts by from these machines led to the imposition of harsh marketing restrictions by the FDA in the early 1960's. As a result, serious interest in air ion research declined and has remained at relatively low levels in most scientific circles. Over the years, the technology and study designs have improved, but inconsistencies in findings have persisted. Despite this, a growing number of ion generating devices are being purchased, the sales undoubtedly influenced by fairly regular reports in the popular press about the health benefits of negative ions. Much of the scientific work in this field and the socioeconomic factors at work in the marketplace are unknown to most practicing health care providers. Yet, many will be asked to give professional opinions or advice on the use of these devices for various health reasons.
FUR IT
negative ions increase seratonin in rats:
but people feel faster and better, happier, more peaceful under the influence of negative ions:
they do reduce the number of airborne spores:
Negative ions improve cognative performance in both sexes:
psycnet.apa.org
Reduces depression in seasonal adjustment disorder patients:
A study by Toyota Central R & D Labs, Inc. found that negative ions can improve fatigue and cognition of drivers. (Copy of study - PDF File http://www.tytlabs.co.jp/office/elibrary/ereview/erev371pdf/e371_065sakakibara.pdf)
AGINN IT
if your negative ion generators also produces ozone;
it can dull your sense of smell and cause other problems:
NAE EFFECTS ATAW
However, this study found that positive ions and the right temperature improved mood, and that negative ions had no effect:
journals.cambridge.org
but have no effect on cellular respiratory defenses in racing thoroughbreds:
No significant effects for chronic asthma:
So, Do not take the nubmer of studies for and against as any measure of truth. I think however, although the issue is contraversial, it would be better to have a negative ion generator than to not have one. I am concerned about the formation of ozone, however.
I think the most important notable effects are the regulation of seratonin in the brain, stimulation of mitocondria, improvement of cognative function, and the reduction of incendents of depression; these all seem very deseriable effects.
We can disregard claims of reducing bacteria and viruses in the air as beneficial effects, although it is a well documented phenomenon; as the immune system will adapt to whatever environment it is exposed to; infact, I beleive it is better to have a strong immune system in which your t-cells have adapted to all known viruses an bacteria than to live as bubble-boy and then die a horrible death on re-entry. that being said, good hygene is good hygene.
here is some other reading; please read carefully and skeptically.
- The swiss bank study is particularly tantalising
... what is everyones two - cents?
and today I went and bought a couple off eBay. they were very cheap. The full range of air-cleaners
and negative ion generators goes right up into the thousands of pounds but only to generate a few
negative ions, you can get them for as little as £3.
I did some digging into the health benefits of negative ions in the established scientific literature and
found the following studies which confirmed the reputed benefits of negative ion generators.
I do beleive that, as a species, we are subject to alot of electronic 'smog' radiation which wouldn't
otherwise have been present. (especially for us who spend a lot of time around electronics.)
I've done my best to stay away from any new-age websites madly touting health benefits of negative ion
generators without remaining skeptical and analysing them under reasonable experimental conditions,
Im trying to stick to my guns as a scientist here. As such, i've drawn on appropriate information, and referenced
it.
BACKGROUND
For greater than sixty years, controversy has surrounded the topic of air ions and their possible effects (both beneficial and adverse) on humans. Although many of the early studies were criticized for being flawed and results were frequently conflicting, the preponderance of them seemed to be in agreement that atmospheric (air) ions were at least active in biological systems. However, cause-effect relationships for human conditions or diseases were less conclusive and often contradictory. Unsubstantiated medical claims for ion generating devices and concern over ozone byproducts by from these machines led to the imposition of harsh marketing restrictions by the FDA in the early 1960's. As a result, serious interest in air ion research declined and has remained at relatively low levels in most scientific circles. Over the years, the technology and study designs have improved, but inconsistencies in findings have persisted. Despite this, a growing number of ion generating devices are being purchased, the sales undoubtedly influenced by fairly regular reports in the popular press about the health benefits of negative ions. Much of the scientific work in this field and the socioeconomic factors at work in the marketplace are unknown to most practicing health care providers. Yet, many will be asked to give professional opinions or advice on the use of these devices for various health reasons.
FUR IT
negative ions increase seratonin in rats:
but people feel faster and better, happier, more peaceful under the influence of negative ions:
they do reduce the number of airborne spores:
Negative ions improve cognative performance in both sexes:
APA PsycNet
Reduces depression in seasonal adjustment disorder patients:
A study by Toyota Central R & D Labs, Inc. found that negative ions can improve fatigue and cognition of drivers. (Copy of study - PDF File http://www.tytlabs.co.jp/office/elibrary/ereview/erev371pdf/e371_065sakakibara.pdf)
AGINN IT
if your negative ion generators also produces ozone;
it can dull your sense of smell and cause other problems:
NAE EFFECTS ATAW
However, this study found that positive ions and the right temperature improved mood, and that negative ions had no effect:
Atmospheric ions and comfort | Epidemiology & Infection | Cambridge Core
Atmospheric ions and comfort - Volume 60 Issue 2
but have no effect on cellular respiratory defenses in racing thoroughbreds:
No significant effects for chronic asthma:
So, Do not take the nubmer of studies for and against as any measure of truth. I think however, although the issue is contraversial, it would be better to have a negative ion generator than to not have one. I am concerned about the formation of ozone, however.
I think the most important notable effects are the regulation of seratonin in the brain, stimulation of mitocondria, improvement of cognative function, and the reduction of incendents of depression; these all seem very deseriable effects.
We can disregard claims of reducing bacteria and viruses in the air as beneficial effects, although it is a well documented phenomenon; as the immune system will adapt to whatever environment it is exposed to; infact, I beleive it is better to have a strong immune system in which your t-cells have adapted to all known viruses an bacteria than to live as bubble-boy and then die a horrible death on re-entry. that being said, good hygene is good hygene.
here is some other reading; please read carefully and skeptically.
- The swiss bank study is particularly tantalising
... what is everyones two - cents?
