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

Air ionizer: harm or benefit?

To answer this difficult question, let's return to the operation of the device. By producing anions, the ionizer (if it is powerful enough) purifies the air, removes dust, bacteria, viruses and other tiny particles by depositing them on the surfaces of the treated room (on furniture, walls, floors). After such processing, wet cleaning is necessary, otherwise a dark coating will form.In addition, in dry air, the settled particles again acquire a positive charge, and ... the process starts all over again.

The ionizer is not as safe a device as it might seem at first glance, although the principle of its operation is quite clear to the layman

The device, which was later called the Chizhevsky chandelier, formed the basis of modern ionizers. True, some important conditions of its work have been significantly changed. For example, Chizhevsky's chandelier produced negative ions using a corona discharge. Today, radioisotope devices have appeared. Moreover, they began to actively use not unipolar devices, but bipolar ones, which, in addition to negative ones, also produce positive ions. How useful this is for air already oversaturated with positive charges is a moot point.

With all the positive qualities of the ionizer, it also has many contraindications for use.

• One of the indicators that should alert the buyer is the undesirable presence of a person in the room while the device is operating.
• Mandatory wet cleaning after the ionization session.
• You can not turn on the ionizer if the humidity in the apartment is below 45% or above 75%.
• If the recommended operating time of the device is exceeded, an unacceptable concentration of ozone in the air is possible, which can lead to a sharp deterioration in the well-being of households.
• Using the device is harmful: for people with low blood pressure: children under 1 year old; patients with bronchial asthma; at elevated body temperature; in people with neoplasms.
• It is strictly forbidden to turn on the device in very dusty rooms.
• Do not smoke or use an electronic cigarette while the appliance is in operation.

How much you need an air ionizer in the apartment - everyone must decide for himself. Our opinion is that the ionizer is an excellent device, but its effect on the human body will be much more effective within the walls of a medical institution under the supervision of specialists.

Air ionization: what is it?

Ionization is a natural phenomenon

The process of transformation of neutral molecules and air molecules into negatively charged particles - anions, is called air ionization. It occurs with the help of exposure to electromagnetic radiation, electric fields, high temperatures. Electrons flying off the needle ends of the electrodes collide with neutral and positive particles and transfer a negative charge to them.

Ions can be formed in three ways, with the help of natural, artificial and technological ionization. So, atoms, joining electrons, become negatively charged, losing them - positively. "Lost" electron particles adversely affect human health, causing headaches, overwork, disruption of the cardiovascular system. Negatively charged particles have exactly the opposite effect.

Health effects: proven and unproven effectiveness

Modern medicine does not have a negative attitude towards air ionizers. Aeroionotherapy as an aid is connected to the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases of any nature, hypertension, allergies. The beneficial effect in these cases is confirmed by a large number of reviews from ordinary people. They also claim that procedures with an ionizer accelerate the healing of wounds on the skin or mucous membranes.

The main effect of using the device:

• breathing becomes deeper;
• blood flow and gas exchange are improved;
• metabolism is accelerated;
• tone rises, mood improves;
• added physical strength.

A cohort of opponents of air ionizers calls these properties the placebo effect. Practical tests have shown: in comparison with the invention of Chizhevsky, low-power modern devices cannot significantly increase the number of negative particles in the room.

How to choose an air ionizer

When purchasing an ionizer, please note that there are two types of devices on sale - unipolar ionizers and bipolar ionizers. Unipolar ionizers in the process of their work produce only negatively charged ions, as well as a sufficiently large dose of ozone

They were common in the last century. At that time, it was believed that a person needs only negatively charged ions, since there are already enough positive ions in the air.

Unipolar ionizers in the course of their work produce only negatively charged ions, as well as a sufficiently large dose of ozone. They were common in the last century. At that time, it was believed that only negatively charged ions are needed for a person, since there are already enough positive ions in the air.

If only negative ions are produced (as is the case with a unipolar ionizer), then the whole person and clothes are negatively charged, and the new ions produced simply do not enter the respiratory tract, and there will be absolutely no benefit from such negative ions, so it is better to purchase a bipolar ionizer .

With unipolar air ionization, negative ions simply do not enter the lungs.

The better a bipolar ionizer

Bipolar ionizers are the latest advancement in indoor air purification technology. In addition, bipolar ionizers have a number of advantages over unipolar ionizers.

Bipolar ionizers make indoor air as useful as possible

When using a bipolar ionizer:

• An electrostatic field is not formed, but if it was already in the room, it is completely neutralized.
• Ozone release below MPC (ozone is a strong oxidizing agent and in large doses is very harmful to equipment and humans).
• Unlike unipolar ionizers, ions of nitrogen compounds are not formed, which are also very harmful.

Rules for choosing an ionizer

When choosing an ionizer, you should be guided by a number of the following rules:

1. When choosing an ionizer, be sure to find information on the number of ions produced in the instructions. The higher this number, the better. The maximum figure for a home ionizer is 50,000.
2. Check with the seller for certificates for the device. There should be two of them - technical and hygienic. The first confirms that the device is safe and suitable for use. The second ensures that the device actually produces a sufficient amount of air ions for a person. If the number of generated air ions declared by the manufacturer exceeds 50,000, then this means that such a device is intended for medical use. It must have an additional medical certificate, which is issued after certain clinical trials.
3. The ionizer should not produce ozone, which is harmful to the human body.The ozone emission of the device should be significantly lower MPC (MAC standard - 0.1 mg/m3).
4. When choosing an ionizer, you should take into account the size of the room and select a device with a suitable range and sufficient ion production power. The minimum for an average city apartment is 400 ions/cu. cm with a positive charge and 600 ions / cu. cm with a negative charge, the polarity index should be -0.2. The optimal content of ions in the air is 1500-3000 ions / cu. cm with a positive charge and 3000 - 5000 ions / cu. cm with a negative charge, the polarity index should be from -0.5 to 0, which corresponds to the saturation of sea and mountain air.
5. There are active models of ionizers and passive ones. When choosing an ionizer, it is better to give preference to active systems with a built-in fan, since its presence significantly increases the diffusion properties of the device.

To date, the leading manufacturers of air ionizers are German and Italian manufacturers. However, there are a number of domestic models that are in no way inferior to foreign devices.

ADDITIONALLY

Types of ionizers

Before you find out what the benefits and harms of an air ionizer for an apartment and other premises are, you should get acquainted with the classification of devices.

According to the type of ions produced, ionizers are:

1. Bipolar. They emit both kinds of beneficial ions.
2. Unipolar. They emit either positive or negative. Timers are built into such devices to prevent the formation of an excess amount of ions of the same name, which can do more harm than good to the environment.

By the nature of the air flow:

1. Active. Useful flow is directed by a fan.The speed increases, therefore, in less time the air will be saturated with the required number of useful ions. Create sound disturbances.
2. Passive. Without fan.

The opinion of doctors about the air ionizer

Modern medicine uses aeroionotherapy in combination with drugs for the treatment and prevention of certain diseases:

• allergy;
• hypertension;
• skin damage;
• acute respiratory infections, influenza;
• digestive organs;
• stomatitis, periodontitis.

This is not a complete list, research is still ongoing.

First of all, air quality affects the lungs. When the alveoli are cleansed, gas exchange improves. And as a result, the whole body works better.

Doctors' opinions differ. Someone recommends a climate ionizer with proper use, and some are categorically against home use.

Ionizer in a medical facility

How an air ionizer works

An ionizer is a device that passes air through itself and
forms negative or positive oxygen and nitrogen ions. In nature
Air ionization occurs naturally - under the influence of solar
radiation and lightning. In rooms where ventilation is difficult,
the concentration of ions is usually 15-20 times less than the natural value.

For the first time about the positive effect of positive and
negative ions in the air on living organisms, said the Soviet professor Chizhevsky.
He noticed that most of the atmospheric gas consists of neutral molecules,
however, in the mountains, forests and near water bodies, the concentration of ionized gases
increases.

Atmospheric ions the scientist called air ions. In 1931
Chizhevsky proposed to artificially ionize indoor air using
device, which later became known as the "Chizhevsky chandelier", since according to
design, it really resembled a chandelier and was hung from the ceiling. How to choose a humidifier for your home

The device of the "Chizhevsky chandelier" is quite simple - inside
The device contains ionizing electrodes, between which a voltage is created. Electric
current creates a discharge, electrons collide with air molecules and are knocked out of
them "extra" electrons, forming ions with a negative or positive charge.

Air ions are usually oxygen molecules or
nitrogen that have lost an electron are positive ions, or oxygen molecules that
received an additional electron - in this case, negative ions are obtained. The ionizer generates ions every second at a rate of several million
charged particles.

Air ions have a charge, so they “stick together”
airborne dust particles, bacteria, plant pollen, allergens, smoke,
after which the charged particle is attracted to any nearest surface

AT
In general, the air in the room becomes cleaner, but it is important to know that objects and
surfaces after turning on the ionizer require thorough wet cleaning

The benefits and harms of air ionizers

If you are interested in an air ionizer for an apartment, its benefits and harms depend on various factors. Given them, you can take advantage of the advantages of the device, avoiding the disadvantages.

Advantages of an air ionizer

But first of all, you should find out what is the undeniable benefit of an air ionizer.As mentioned above, the imbalance of negative and positive air particles in the atmosphere of the apartment contributes to the development of various diseases and weakening of the immune system. Accordingly, when the ionizer restores the lost harmony, the risks are reduced. At the same time, a person feels much better, his emotional state improves, and the quality of sleep improves.

In addition, the air ionizer reduces the harmful effects of radiation from household appliances and computers, toxic emissions from plastic, linoleum and other artificial materials. This device itself is safe for humans and environmentally friendly. Its constant use leads to a decrease in the activity of viruses and allergens, the elimination of dust suspension in the air. As a result, the risk of developing respiratory problems is significantly reduced. In general, in a house where there is an ionizer, there is a fresh atmosphere, it is easy and free to breathe.

Disadvantages of an air ionizer

But, as a rule, everything in the world has two sides. No exception and devices designed for air ionization. If they are used too actively, especially in poorly ventilated rooms, a sharp increase in static electricity is observed.

But even more harmful is the ionizer for patients with pulmonary diseases. It makes it difficult to remove dust and pathogenic bacteria from the lungs, which slows down the healing process.

If the ionizer is turned on while people are in the room, it can also be harmful to the respiratory tract. The fact is that under its influence, all particles suspended in the air acquire a negative charge and, as a result, settle on the skin and penetrate into the lungs.To avoid an unpleasant effect, it is necessary to be at a certain distance from the operating device, and even better to leave the room. It is also necessary to ensure regular and thorough wet cleaning and ventilate the room. This will help minimize harm.

Contraindications to the use of an air ionizer

There are groups of people who are categorically not recommended to use an air ionizer. These include:

1. children under one year old;
2. cancer patients;
3. patients with bronchial asthma;
4. people with fever;
5. having individual intolerance to ionized air.

Rules for the safe use of an air ionizer

To benefit from an air ionizer, and avoid harm, you must use it in accordance with all rules. First of all, you must purchase a high quality device that has all the necessary certificates.

It is also important to read the instructions and follow all the recommendations indicated in it.

Mainly, pay attention to the location of the ionizer - it must work at a certain distance from the person, and the order of its operation. In particular, the benefit will be only when the device is used reasonably.

Do not leave it on for too long. In particular, the ionizer must be turned off at night. Regular wet cleaning will help to avoid harm.

The benefits and harms of ionizers are relative. Much depends on the quality of the device and compliance with the rules for its use.

If you take into account all the nuances and pay attention to contraindications, you can only extract useful qualities for yourself. Therefore, be careful and do not try to save too much when buying.

Chandelier Chizhevsky

Chizhevsky's lamp or chandelier is a once popular Soviet-made device. Its peculiarity was that it was powered by a voltage of 100 thousand volts, due to which a powerful electromagnetic field was artificially formed. During operation, the lamp created a residual tension in the space between the grounded floor.

Chandelier Chizhevsky - an outdated "option" of the air ionizer

The person was allowed to be at a distance of 1.5 meters from the functioning device. The duration of the sessions did not exceed 7 minutes, because the powerful radiation was harmful to health with prolonged exposure. Today Chizhevsky's chandelier (lamp) is more of a museum piece than a functional instrument.

The principle of operation and purpose of the ionizer

An air ionizer is a special device that purifies the air by releasing particles with a negative and positive charge. These particles are produced in strict proportions. More expensive models can also produce ozone, but you need to be careful here, as this element can be harmful to humans in large quantities.

Ionizer device

The main element in the device is the emitter. The item is an incandescent lamp or electrodes that have high voltage. When turned on, the emitter forms an ionizing field through which dirty air passes. It then passes through a special charged filter. The result is anions.

More expensive appliances also include UV lamps and humidifiers. The first option serves for more detailed disinfection, and the second one maintains optimal humidity in the room.

Device types

Depending on destination

Generators are often supplied with air cleaners to improve air quality.

Air purifiers with ionization function remove dust, cigarette smoke and bacteria. Combine ionization with the work of a humidifier.

Multi complexes. Heal the atmosphere, saturating with ions, cleansing and moisturizing.

Salt lamps. A lamp with a ceiling made of natural salt. When heated, light negative ions are released, providing a therapeutic effect on a person.

Ionizers are available with one polarity and with two. Bipolar with two charges at once: positive and negative. Unipolar emits only negative air ions. The advantage of bipolar is that it produces ions with different charges.

By place of use

Home is intended for use in apartments only.

Automobile works from the automobile network, purifies the air of exhaust and carbon monoxide gases, relieves fatigue.

Generator for a private or country house with high power, covers large areas.

Office was created to purify the atmosphere in rooms with a large number of people.

An air ionizer for a person is beneficial or harmful - opinions are divided even among doctors.

Features of the air ionization process

To understand why ionization is needed in a room humidifier and what it is in general, it is worth studying the features of the process. So, in nature, ionization occurs naturally. In nature, the ionization process is associated with powerful discharges of electricity (thunderstorms), as well as cosmic radiation. It is especially sharply felt in the mountains, on the sea coast, in a coniferous forest.

In fact, ionization is the process of knocking out individual electrons from gas molecules. At the end of the reaction, two charged molecules (negative and positive) are obtained from two neutral molecules.

Ionization is a natural process that constantly occurs in nature, improves air quality, reduces the level of oxygen vacuum. To run it in the apartment requires the use of special devices

Along with air ionizers, there are also universal devices on sale, for example, air humidifiers equipped with an ionizer. They are able to provide the necessary humidity, air purification in the room.

When figuring out when to use the ionization function in a room humidifier, keep in mind that ionized air helps prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases. Thanks to an excess of oxygen, metabolic processes are activated, the walls of blood vessels are strengthened, and the likelihood of blood clots is reduced.

Another important plus that ionization provides in a home humidifier is the deposition of dust. It is difficult to track visually, however, everyone understands that it is much easier to wipe the floor and wipe the dust from the surface of the furniture than to deal with the consequences of getting it into the lungs.

Scientists have recorded that a decrease in the level of occurrence, exacerbation of lung diseases, including asthmatic attacks, problems with the digestive tract, occur during the period of increasing the concentration of ions in the air

According to information from open sources, humidifiers with the function of air ionization will provide a number of undoubted advantages:

• improving the quality of sleep - healthy, good rest significantly improves the overall quality of life;
• acceleration of metabolism - allows you to look great, facilitates the course of various diseases, somewhat alleviates symptoms;
• increase in working capacity, concentration of attention;
• optimization of the immune system;
• good rest - allows you to increase the overall emotional state, the level of vitality, which helps in the fight against depression, neurosis.

For some diseases, it is sometimes recommended to carry out ionization of the air in the room.

Indications for using the ionization function

Air containing a large amount of negative ions is indicated in the cases listed below.

In the user's bronchial asthma, provoked by allergens, the air filled with particles with a negative charge makes it possible to notice an improvement after the first ionization.

In some situations, positively charged particles provide the best effect. Serious improvement is noted after 12 ionization procedures.

A large amount of time spent at the computer, TV, leads to deionization. The lack of ions in the air leads to a decrease in the rate of redox processes, inhibition of the activity of the immune system

With neuroses, an increase in the number of ions in the air contributes to a general improvement in the patient's condition. An increase in the rate of wound healing was also noted at a high concentration of air ions.

When is ionization contraindicated?

Despite the many undoubted advantages, there are also contraindications.

Doctors do not recommend using the ionization function in the presence of the following diseases:

1. Accelerated metabolism can lead to exacerbation of chronic diseases, sluggish infections.It is not recommended to carry out ionization in the room where the patient with oncology lives.
2. Ionized air can harm a patient with a high fever. It can rise even more.
3. There is an individual intolerance to a large number of air ions in the air, hypersensitivity to them.

When using additional functions in a humidifier, it is important to listen to your well-being. If during the operation of the device there is a headache, other unpleasant sensations, it is better to refuse ionization

Harm that may be from the use of the device

In addition to good characteristics, the air ionizer, when used in an apartment, has a number of negative points. But in order to fully understand this device, it is necessary to consider all the pros and cons in order to avoid negative consequences.

Points to consider when using this electrical appliance in an apartment:

• The device needs to be cleaned. Many ionizers have filters that need to be cleaned, but due to the fact that this is not very easy to do, the help of specialists may be required, and this leads to a small amount of money.
• During use of the device, the concentration of ozone released in the air may be exceeded, which may lead to the risk of colds. To avoid this, you just need to control the production of ozone, and this leads to trouble.
• It is forbidden to use the device for people who have cancer.

Varieties

Like any other type of technology, an ionizer can have varieties. From a large assortment, you can choose both wall and floor options.According to the types of ions that it produces, the device is divided into such types.

• Bipolar, which emits 2 types of useful ions.
• Unipolar, which emits exclusively positively or negatively charged particles. This type of unit has a timer in its design, which prevents the formation of an excessive amount of equally charged ions that can harm a person.

According to the nature of the air flow, a household ozonizer can be as follows.

• Active, when the useful flow of air ions is directed with the help of a working fan. The inconvenience of this unit may be due to its noise.
• Passive that operates without a fan.