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.
http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/...amp;identifier=ADA325580

FUR IT

negative ions increase seratonin in rats:
http://www.springerlink....ontent/u886578312v87334/

but people feel faster and better, happier, more peaceful under the influence of negative ions:
http://csaweb105v.csa.co...hmp0td1io4s5al6vg2mmhe24

they do reduce the number of airborne spores:
http://csaweb105v.csa.co...hmp0td1io4s5al6vg2mmhe24

Negative ions improve cognative performance in both sexes:
http://psycnet.apa.org/i...508&CFTOKEN=52829384

Reduces depression in seasonal adjustment disorder patients:
http://www.liebertonline...bs/10.1089/acm.1995.1.87

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...f/e371_065sakakibara.pdf)

AGINN IT

if your negative ion generators also produces ozone;
it can dull your sense of smell and cause other problems:
http://www.cal-iaq.org/o3_fact.pdf

NAE EFFECTS ATAW

However, this study found that positive ions and the right temperature improved mood, and that negative ions had no effect:
http://journals.cambridg...e=online&aid=4683368

but have no effect on cellular respiratory defenses in racing thoroughbreds:
http://www.sciencedirect...fc1df0d9e27222eab5780506

No significant effects for chronic asthma:
http://mrw.interscience...._n/CD002986_abstract.pdf





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.
http://www.air-cleaners-...rs.com/negative-ions.htm
- The swiss bank study is particularly tantalising

http://www.detoxion.com/Negative%20Ions.htm




... what is everyones two - cents?

I had one for a long time, and no kidding, the unit used to shock me every single time I touched it, and very badly, so I quit using it. I know the studies are there for the benefits, but I had no way to discern if the one I bought was the real thing, or a hoax. :evil:

I do have a water ionizer that I enjoy very much. There are certain types of crystals that can apparently offset EMFs, too.

Let me know how it goes... if you feel any different!

Edit: And those big salt rock lamps, too...

Looks to me (from a quick reading of the last two articles) that negative ions in the air (or rather balanced ionization) has fully established benefits for human health. In fact, I thought this was established a long time ago, during the 60's and 70's. The concern, like you say, seems to be the ozone. A good way around this should be a waterfall machine, or living in a place where negative ions are naturally produced.

Robert Ornstein (The Nature of Human Consciousness) pointed out that many of the known spiritual centers are located in areas where ionization levels are naturally balanced, such as near falling streams, oceans, old forests, and mountaintops. I don't know if any further work has been done on this topic, but it seems the two are related.

interesting, intresting. I heard it said that the chinese beleive that a place of power is were two streams meet, and one should meditate there.

I do feel very energized right after lightning (thunderstorm)
can smell it too

also tripping in a thunderstorm makes me feel like superman its AWESOME
its definately something (charged) in the air.. at least from my subjective experience.

I have had such a device (unit) in my office for some time (back in the days)
didnt notice any difference though..

also tried to kill bacteria with it (growing on PCA)
didnt work, but this could be because of the improvised rough setup..
i know people that tried it in a room where they stored lots of cheese, so to limit growth of fungi
didnt work there either...

so i gave up on it.

negative ion = anion

Aye I had this experience a few weeks ago. Sure seemed like "The Gods" were very active in that thunderstorm! And I won't forget the old well-traveled chap who claimed to be very much looking forward to the opportunity to get struck by lightning! What a way to get zapped, with some of Uncle Hofmann's Potion flowing through our blood streams. Electricity is powerful...

I dont smoke DMT without first having my negative ion generating satt rock crystal lamp flicked on to clean my room.

Well i think cations are negative too..
those little bastards always try to oxidize



(im assuming mescaline freebase (protonated mescaline) is a cation, correct me if im wrong)

Cations are positive, no negative. Mescaline freebase is not a synonym to protonated mescaline, freebase basically has no charge. But protonated mescaline is a cation and has net positive charge.

In relation to this. Do microwave ovens have any significant effect on stuff?

No its not ionizing radiation. All that happens is heat is generated from vibrating water molecules.

These ionizers on the other hand are another story. I think there a bad idea with no strong evidence to justify their use. But that comes from EPA reports so I really don't know haven't looked into it more then that.

no, sorry....


CATions are PUSSITIVE!!!


and other mollecules too

your wrong, there is plenty of evidence -thats what im here to say. I spent a whole day looking into this, starting with a fairly skeptical outlook and , weighing all the reports, positive and negative, I found ion generators which do not generate ozone to be a) completely safe and b) beneficial. Both are documented by valid scientific reports going back to the 50's. Check out the links.

Ozone generators are another story though, although ozone is reported to have some benefits its clearly a case of
Ions = Definately Safe & Helpful, Ozone = dangerous in high levels but with some positive effects too.

I used my university's library as well as internet sources, but only published scientific reports in PDF format with plenty of references.

I could not find any evidence that these things are dangerous. I did find plenty of documented, measurable and reproducable experiments demonstrating positive effects: cillial cell regrowth and regeration, feelings of emotional well-being, possibly a cure for athsma, reduction of airborne dust, possibly reduction of airborne spores and bacteria. increased energy and motivation, feelings of well-being, a cure for S.A.D... a whole host of other random benefits.

FACT: the navy use industrial sized versions on their ships and submarines, and the military in some bases, as part of the air-scrubbing systems, to keep the crew alert and happy.

I hope this steers you toward understanding the issue a bit more, burnt. Its pretty obvious you've not looked into it at all..

According to the EPA report I posted I thought all of these ion generators generate ozone? Also according to the EPA report there is no strong evidence lending these claims any significant credability. Please read the EPA report. The EPA has no reason to be biased one way or another about these products.

I will ask one of my friends who have worked in building air quality before. If he has any input I'll let you know.


Furthermore I don't know if the articles you cited or not are crediable. You have to realize that viral internet marketing is a very real thing. People literally make up reports to make products seem like they work and it gets spread all over the internet to make it look like its not advertising but it is.

I got a bad zap from the microwave the other day; apparently if you unplug it and then touch the plug the magnetron tube inside is still discharging for a few seconds and gives you a nasty jolt. don't try this.

I bought this aswell, to reduce the electrical smog from my computer. http://www.sourcingmap.c...p;utm_campaign=ukfroogle




Burnt:
Yes, Negative ion generators do generate a trace ozone so you should check that they are of good quality. as I have already said.

I Know what to look for in a credible scientific report: I've a batchelors, and I am some way toward completing a masters - so believe me when I say I've cited established and reputable sources.

You are weighing a neutral report from the EPA versus swathes of independent research since the 50s. Have you access to a university library or database of scientific journals? Its clear you just haven't done your homework - and I won't continue to argue this with you, you're just wasting my time, man.