Your Daily Dose of Health

Ionizers work by arcing a small current of electricity off a thin needle and into the air. The electrons bind to nearby air molecules and give them a negative charge. These negatively charged molecules are propelled or drift throughout the room and attract tiny pollutants such as smoke, dust, pollen, and aerosols. Evenutally, these bundles of pollutants become too heavy to remain airborne and settle onto the surfaces of the room. The benefits of using an ionizer include the removal of microscopic contaminants, smoke, viruses, odors, pollen, aerosols, and other pollutants.

The effect is likened to the clean air near waterfalls or after lightning, other good sources fo negative ions.

They may also be effective as anti-depressants according to a much quoted article in Allure Magazine (June 95, “Pumping Ions”) regarding a study by two research psychologists at the New York State Psychiatric Institute Columbia University. Unfortunately, there can be drawbacks to using an ionizer. The charged pollutant clusters cling to walls and create a sooty buildup that may need periodic cleaning. Similar to lightning, the arc from poorly designed ionizers can create ozone and nitrous oxide.