| Air purifiers come in a variety of forms. One such | | | | then less likely to be inhaled and give people |
| type is the ionic air purifier. | | | | potential problems, e.g. allergic reactions or nausea. |
| Brief History of Ionic Purifier Development | | | | Quick movements of people in rooms can create |
| 1974 saw research emanating from the Swiss | | | | small movements of air capable of redistributing |
| Meteorological Institute on why it was that people | | | | the settled particles back into the air. To counter |
| were negatively affected (e.g. headaches, | | | | this many ionizing purifiers house positively |
| depression, heart attacks) by various trade winds | | | | (neutrally charged atoms or molecules that have |
| around the earth. Known winds such as the | | | | lost electrons) charged metal plates that attract |
| Sirocco in Italy, the Mistral in France, the Sharav in | | | | the negatively ionized particles to them. An |
| the Middle East and the Foehn in Switzerland were | | | | occasional clean of these plates keeps them |
| examined. | | | | working optimally. |
| What came out of these studies was one | | | | Ionizing air purifiers are commonly purchased due |
| common factor in all cases was the prevalence of | | | | to them not releasing any chemicals into the |
| a super high concentration of positively charged | | | | atmosphere, low energy usage, no replacement |
| ions in the winds. Areas of recent rainfall or close | | | | filters being required, and a very low level of |
| to a waterfall were also found to contain largely | | | | operating noise generated. |
| negatively charged air-borne particles. Whilst | | | | PHI Cell ionizers are in particular very effective |
| positive ions detracted from a person's health, | | | | modern air purifiers able to create large quantities |
| negative ions promoted health, benefits (e.g. | | | | of negative ions whilst emitting almost zero ozone. |
| increased plant and animal growth, improved | | | | This technology supersedes HEPA air purifiers in |
| animal relaxation and alertness) were seen above | | | | that it is able to remove particles as small as |
| 1000 negative ions per cubic centimeter of air. | | | | 0.001 microns, the size of various pesticides, |
| How modern Ionizing Air Purifiers Function These | | | | herbicides and many viruses. |
| devices are ionizing machines which charge passing | | | | Gasses (e.g. carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide) |
| air-borne particles so that they become negative | | | | are typically what cause the majority of bad |
| (neutrally charged atoms or molecules gain one or | | | | odors, these air purifiers are very efficient at |
| more electrons) and settle on surfaces in the | | | | removing this type of pollutant, alongside the |
| room. Out of the air column, these particles are | | | | larger dust particles, pollen and so on. |