| Most people are unaware that there are at least | | | | well as a host of possible negatives. Benefits: does |
| four different distinct types of ionic air purifiers in | | | | remove particles and some research has shown |
| use today. Ionizers in general have been around | | | | the health benefits of a surplus of negative ions. |
| for many years. | | | | Negatives: particles tend to stick to other |
| Definition of an ion - an atom or molecule, | | | | particles, walls, tables, everywhere ... and too |
| electrically charged, which has lost or gained one | | | | many negative ions could upset the optimum |
| or more electrons, making it either positively or | | | | balance desired between positive and negative |
| negatively charged. | | | | ions in the air. Many indoor environments have a |
| A simplified explanation of the process: The ionic | | | | surplus of positive ions ... this may be why some |
| air purifier produces ions. The ions collide with and | | | | have reported great results with the added |
| attach themselves to particles in the air (opposite | | | | negative ions. Common sense points to an |
| charges attract). The particles attach themselves | | | | unbalance developing when you keep adding the |
| to other particles, collection devices or filters, or | | | | negative ions either in the short or long run. You |
| solid surfaces and are removed from the air. The | | | | may have also heard of "black wall syndrome". |
| exact process depends on the type of ionic air | | | | This is where many particles are negatively (-) |
| purifier used. | | | | charged by ions and then are attracted and |
| Ionization and ions are produced and are present | | | | "cemented" to a positively (+) charged wall. This is |
| in the air we breathe outside. Ions are measured | | | | interesting interior decorating for sure. This is not |
| by how many are present in a cubic centimeter | | | | the best way to clean the air with ionization, but |
| or cm3. "Typical" clean air outside contains 3000 | | | | generally the most common and least expensive. |
| positive (+) and 4000 negative (-) ions per cm3. | | | | 3) Double charge ionizers (both + and -): an active |
| This amount can be influenced by a myriad of | | | | technology that emits both positive and negative |
| factors and is constantly changing and constantly | | | | ions. This technology is very effective and |
| replenished by sun, wind, and storms. | | | | minimizes on the "black wall syndrome". It also |
| After detailed research it is my conclusion that | | | | maintains a better balance of negative and |
| the natural balance of ions outdoors is generally | | | | positive ions. Oppositely charge particles are |
| better than most of our indoor environments. | | | | attracted to each other and by clinging to each |
| Have you ever felt like getting outside to get a | | | | other, form larger particles too heavy for the air. |
| breath of fresh air? Interestingly enough, some | | | | They drop out of the air. They are eventually |
| scientists point to +/- ions as part of the reason | | | | vacuumed or dusted up or picked up by a |
| for outside air "feeling right". Unfortunately indoor | | | | furnace filter. This is an excellent way to remove |
| air generally presents a problem for ions. In most | | | | particles. This technology is available from only a |
| cases the number of ions present is much less | | | | handful of companies. |
| compared to outside air. | | | | 4) RCI (radiant catalytic ionization): an active |
| Sometimes there are too many positive ions and | | | | technology that is currently available from only a |
| an imbalance occurs. Generally the imbalance leans | | | | few companies. RCI or an equivalent is a |
| towards the positive, but another problem could | | | | combination of technologies wrapped in one. |
| occur if too many negative ions are present. A | | | | These technologies generally include UV, double |
| balance is best, just like outside. | | | | charge ionization (+ and -), as well as a few other |
| Ok, "great ..." you say, now what about cleaning | | | | proprietary types distinct to each company. The |
| the air? | | | | documented results are impressive. This |
| The Four Basic Ionization Technologies: | | | | technology is available from only a handful of |
| 1) Electrostatic precipitators and charged media | | | | companies. |
| filters: mainly passive technologies; most of the | | | | Buying Considerations: |
| ionization occurs inside the air purifier. As air | | | | Do your homework. |
| enters the purifier, an electronic charge is added | | | | Because there are several versions of the |
| to the particles. This charge is generally negative. | | | | ionization technology, it can be hard to select the |
| The charged particles then pass into or over or | | | | right one. Stay away from single charge ionizers |
| through a metallic plate or special filter. The plate | | | | all together. Even within the other technology |
| or filter has an opposite charge. This charge is | | | | types you need to search diligently for a quality |
| generally positive. The particles "stick" and can be | | | | ionic air purifier. Realize that there may be only a |
| cleaned by rinsing them off during cleaning or | | | | handful of companies with a "trust factor like" |
| changing a filter. This is a decent way to clean air. | | | | track record. Be wary of the others as marketing |
| 2) Single charge ionizers (+ or -): an active | | | | hype as well as copy cats and small time vendors |
| technology generally emitting just negative ions. | | | | exist. Always buy from an established company |
| This technology has some possible benefits as | | | | with a lengthy track record. |