Positive Ion Poisoning
Positive ions are absorbed into the body from cell phones,wireless technology,electrical devices and pollution on a daily basis,causing severe damage on a cellular level.Positive ions are said to interfere with our natural balance and can lead to tiredness,lack of concentration and muscle fatigue.
Negative ions are proven to reverse the damage caused by positive Ions. Negative ions are generally abundant in nature, emitted from plants, waterfalls and rain storms. These ions unfortunately are depleted in urban areas as a result of modern technology.
Negative ions concentrations can benefit our health and behavior,controlling our energy levels, mood,and ability to concentrate.
Contribution made by; G. S. Rahi, Assistant Professor of Physical Science, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC
On some cloudy and rainy days, you don’t feel like getting up. You feel lethargic, tired, and not very cheerful. Scientists attribute this to ‘positive ion poisoning’.
Ions are microscopic particles that carry an electric charge. In air, ions are created when enough energy acts upon molecules of air and displace an electron which attaches to a nearby stable molecule that gets a negative charge. The molecule that loses an electron becomes a positive ion. Air molecules are broken apart by cosmic radiation, radio activity in soil, ultraviolet radiation, lightening, moving air flow friction, friction caused by air-borne sand and dirt, and falling water, etc.
As all living systems (including human beings) are bioelectric in nature, the electrically charged particles affect the way we feel and act. In a natural setting, a balance of positive and negative ionscontribute to one’s sensations and perceptions. Atmospheric ions can affect health, well-being, efficiency, emotions, and mental attitude of human beings.
According to experts, positive ions rob us of our good senses and dispositions and stimulate everything from plant growth to human sex drive. Negative ions are called good ions as they enhance our mood, stimulate senses, improve appetite, and provide relief from allergies. In their presence, the body is better able to absorb oxygen into blood cells, oxidize serotonin, and filter airborne contaminants. More than 5000 scientific documents (4); based on research in Israel, Europe, and the Orient; support the concept that high doses of negative ions have positive effect while opposite is true with exposure to high amounts of positive ions. Dr. Howard (4) from the Center for Applied Cognitive Sciences in Charlotte, North Carolina indicates that negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy.
Profound beneficial effect of negative ions on both mind and the body has been documented by many studies published in respected journals (7).
During hot and humid summer days, a familiar discomfort is caused by the fact that air becomes negative ion-depleted. Difficulties in breathing due to asthma and respiratory allergies in hot and humid air may have less to do with the amount of oxygen in the air than with massive negative iondepletion. Air electricity is quickly conducted to the ground by moisture in the air and what negative ions are left attach themselves to the dust and contaminant particles and lose their charge. This leaves a preponderance of positive charge in the air. On the other hand, a cold winter sunny day makes a person more cheerful and energetic because of the higher ratio of negative ions in the air, as the air is then much less humid.
Normal ion count in fresh country air is 2000-4000 of negative ions per milliliter (cc). At a large water fall the count can go as much as 100,000 negative ions per cc (1). You might have felt refreshed near the ocean, a water fall, or taking a walk or opening a window while traveling (by a vehicle). Energy of falling water frees electrons from neutral particles of air, increasing the proportion of negative ions. That is why in some cultures, falling water fountains are considered to be good asset of a healthy landscape. Many of our practices increase the level of positive ions. They are produced by combustion, electronic equipment, and synthetic materials and fabrics.
The acceptable minimum concentration of negative ions for indoor air is 200-300 ions per cc. The optimal level is 1000-1500 negative ions per cc (3). On a sea-shore a ratio of about 2000 negative to 1000 positive ions exists to which human beings seem to respond most favorably (6).
Studies done at Toyota Central R & D Labs (5) indicated that negative air ions can improve fatigue and cognition of the drivers. In this study an exposure to 10,000 ions per cc was used. Artificial aero ionizing techniques in confined spaces have been used and are being used at some places in the world. Even large-scale techniques have been investigated to modify ion status of air for inducing desired side effects over a large area of general human population and the animal kingdom (2).
References
(1) Anonymous 2005. Negative ions-vitamins of the air. www.ameripure.net/cuspages/ionvitamin.htm
(2) Cramer, G. 2004. Positive ion ban proposal.
www.superforce.com/email-releases/pib.htm
(3) Jokl, M. 1989. Microenvironment. The theory and practice of indoor climate. Thomas, Illinois
(4) Mann, D. 2002. Negative ions create positive vibes. WebMD Feature
(5) Sakakibara, K. 2002. Influence of negative ions on drivers.
R & D Review of Toyota CRDL Vol. 37 No. 1 (2002. 3)
(6) Soyka, F. 1977. The ion effect. Lester and Orpen Limited
(7) Terman, M. and J. S. Terman. 1995. Seasonal affective disorder (negative
ions effect). Journal of Alternative and Comparative Medicine. Columbia
Presbyterian Medical Center.