Negative Ion Research

In 2003, a study at St. Jamesˇ¦s University Hospital in Leeds, England, infused intensive care units with negatively charged ions, and found that this infusion prevented infections caused by the Acinetobacter microbe.

In Penn State (United States), the study argues that negative ionization has the potential to reduce microbial air pollution.

Scientific labs have also conducted research on the effects of negative ions on animals. A study recorded the effects of Newcastle disease virus in chickens and how air-ionization may have protected the exposed animals from infections.

In another study, conducted in Romania, rats were subjected to harmful chemicals, sacrificed and compared. Those that were subjected to chemicals, then exposed to negative air ions displayed relatively normal structures, similar to healthy control rats.

Rats also demonstrated a decrease in serotonin levels when exposed to an enhanced negative ion enriched environment as published in Brazil.

Negative ions have been dubbed the Vitamins of the Air. Though not everyone will feel the positive effects of negative ions, many scientists and researchers claim that negative ions increase alertness, decrease fatigue and drowsiness.

London Hazards Centre discusses sick building syndrome, which include symptoms like fatigue, drowsiness, and suggests potential causes of SBS and possible relief. The impact of negative ions as a relief of SBS is debated under the heading ˇ§Ions.ˇ¨

More Information Regarding Sick Building Syndrome:

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a term that refers to a set of acute health symptoms impacting a buildingˇ¦s occupants that diminish when the occupants leave the building. It can not be traced to any specific cause. Unhealthy symptoms include but are not limited to headaches, fatigue, irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat.

For additional information:
Sick Building Syndrome
Indoor Air Pollution

Additional Case Studies and References:

Air Ions and Health (Albert Kruger and David S. Sobel)

Controlled Trial of Bright Light and Negative Air Ions for Chronic Depression (Cambridge Journals Online)

Ionized Air (Negative Ions) (Mount Auburn Hospital)

Response of the Brain to Enrichment

Solution to Hospital Infections Could Be In the Air

Do Air Ions Affect Our Lives and Health?

Negative Ions Possible Cure for the 'Winter Blues'

The relaxing effect of negative air ions on ambulatory surgery patients

What are the long-term effects (genetic or otherwise) of prolonged exposure to negative air ions?

Negative Ions Have a Positive Effect on Muscle Recuperation

The Effect of Air Ionization on the Air-borne Transmission of Experimental Newcastle Disease Virus Infections in Chickens.

Controlled trial of bright light and negative air ions for chronic depression - cambridge/u>