Clean air is essential for good health, and this is especially true when it comes to indoor air.

As Humans, we spend close to 90% of our time inside; at home, at work and in recreational environments. Most people, however, are unaware of the effects that poor indoor air quality can have on their health.

Indoor Air Quality
What are you breathing? It is a good question to ask ourselves. All of us face a variety of risks to our health as we go about our day-to-day lives. Driving in cars, flying in planes, engaging in recreational activities, and being exposed to environmental pollutants all pose varying degrees of risk. Some risks are simply unavoidable. The good news is indoor air pollution is one risk that you can do something about.

According to the American College of Allergies, 50% of all illness is aggravated or caused by polluted indoor air.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) themselves declare that indoor air is anywhere from 2 to 10 times more hazardous than outdoor air.
The EPA also warns us that the indoor air quality is the number one environmental health problem.
Today's homes and buildings are built air-tight, and contain a long list of pollution sources. As a result, natural air-cleansing agents such as ozone and negative ions are kept out, while contaminants are kept in.
A recent study found that the allergen level in super-insulated homes is 200% higher than it is in ordinary homes.
Most people spend well over 90% of their time indoors. In which case, indoor air is going to impact our health far more than outdoor air.
The EPA informs us that 6 out of 10 homes and buildings are "sick", meaning they are hazardous to your health to occupy as a result of airborne pollutants.

Indoor Air Topics

Allergies
People are not normaly born with allergies, but become allergic as a result of contact with allergens. Allergic symptoms generally occur quickly after exposure and they always vary in level of severity. The reaction will depend on the person, their overall state of health, age, and the length and intensity of exposure.

Allergies are unpleasant at the very least, but they can also trigger dangerous reactions in certain people. Scientists use the word "allergy" to mean any kind of altered state of the immune system when it reacts differently to a substance as a result of previous contact.

There are two broad types of allergies:

Immediate hypersensitivity is the common kind of allergy that causes hay fever, allergic asthma, food allergies and some drug allergies. People with this condition have a reaction within minutes of exposure to the allergen in question.
Delayed hypersensitivity is a peeling eczema-like rash called "contact dermatitis" and is triggered when an allergen comes into contact with the skin. This type of reaction is much slower and usually takes two days to become obvious.

Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood. Low levels over long periods of time are dangerous, and high levels can cause unconsciousness and even death. To keep your indoor air clean and healthy, make sure that fuel-burning devices are well vented. Beware of Idling vehicles in garages that are attached to homes or buildings;

At low levels, symptoms include headaches, tiredness, shortness of breath and impaired motor functions. These symptoms sometimes feel like the flu.
At high levels, or if people are exposed to low levels for long periods of time, people can experience dizziness, chest pain, tiredness, poor vision and difficulty thinking.
At very high levels, carbon monoxide can cause convulsions, coma and even death.
No smoking please! Since tobacco smoke is a source of carbon monoxide, don't let people smoke indoors.

Formaldehyde Extensive reviews of formaldehyde emissions sources have been published by the World Health Organization (WHO 1989), and Environment Canada and Health Canada (2001). Sources that influence indoor levels of formaldehyde can be divided into two broad categories: combustion and off-gassing. Combustion sources include cigarettes and other tobacco products, and open fireplaces. Off-gassing sources include wood products such as particle board and other building materials made with adhesives containing formaldehyde as well as some varnishes, paints, carpeting, drapes and curtains.

Results from studies carried out in Canada since the early 1990s consistently indicate that formaldehyde concentrations in Canadian homes range between 2.5 and 88 µg/m3with an average between 30 and 40 µg/m3(Health Canada 2005).

When formaldehyde is present in the air at levels exceeding 0.1 ppm, some individuals may experience health effects such as watery eyes; burning sensations of the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation. Some people are very sensitive to formaldehyde, while others have no reaction to the same level of exposure.

Epidemiological studies on the effects of chronic formaldehyde exposure consistently found respiratory and allergic effects at levels below 123µg/m3(Health Canada, 2005). In one study, formaldehyde levels in homes were associated with increased risk of atopy, after ruling out confounding from other indoor air pollutants (Garrett, et al., 1999). In another study, formaldehyde levels were significantly associated with hospitalization for asthma in children aged six months to three years,

Formaldehyde has been classified as a human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Asthma - Asthma is a rapidly growing public health problem. About 23 million people, including 6.8 million children, have asthma and 12 million people report having an asthma attack in the past year. Asthma accounts for nearly 17 million physician office and hospital visits, and nearly 2 million emergency department visits each year...

Mold Molds are part of the natural environment. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors.

Radon You can't see radon, you can't smell it or taste it, but it may be a problem in your home. Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year. That's because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family's health. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America and claims about 20,000 lives annually.

Radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to EPA's 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003). The numbers of deaths from other causes are taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Report and 2002 National Safety Council Reports. The National Safety Council offers short- and long-term radon test kits; download the coupon (PDF, 1 page, 26KB)

RADON GETS IN THROUGH: Cracks in solid floors Construction joints Cracks in walls Gaps in suspended floors Gaps around service pipes Cavities inside walls The water supply

What are Negative Ions?

Negative ions are odorless, tasteless, and invisible molecules that we inhale in abundance in certain environments. Think mountains, waterfalls, and beaches. Once they reach our bloodstream, negative ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost our daytime energy.

Benefits of Negative Ions

Negative ion generators (negative ionizers) have been used for years to help rid closed indoor environments of allergens such as dust particles, animal dander, pollen, mold spores, cigarette smoke, cigar smoke, PM10 particulate matter, etc. floating in the air.
Vitamins of the Air--Generally speaking, negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy," says Pierce J. Howard, PhD, author of The Owners Manual for the Brain: Everyday Applications from Mind Brain Research and director of research at the Center for Applied Cognitive Sciences in Charlotte, N.C.
Purify the Air--protect against germs in the air, resulting in decreased irritation due to inhaling various particles that make you sneeze, cough, or have a throat irritation.
As parents, we’ve all been keeping our child’s things clean so that our family can lead a happy, healthy life. But did you ever think to sterilize your air?
Negative Ions for the Brain--High concentrations of negative ions are essential for high energy and positive mood (Thayer, 1996)
Effects of Negatively Charged Fresh Air

Improved sense of well being
Increased rate and quality ofgrowth in plants and animals
Improved function of the lung’sprotective cilia
Tranquilization and relaxation(decreased anxiety)
Lowered body temperature
Lowered resting heart rate
Decreased survival of bacteriaand viruses in the air
Improved learning in mammals
Decreased severity of stomach.

How ozone purifies the air

Ozone oxidizes airborne pollutants, then reverts back to oxygen, transforming polluted air to pure and refreshened air.

Here is how the process works:

Oxygen molecules (O1 and O2) are converted to ozone (O3) by either a high-voltage electrical charge (such as from lightning), or by ultraviolet light (such as from the sun rays).
One oxygen atom (O1) splits off from the ozone molecule, and reacts with other particles when it comes within range of a particle and/or pollutant. Ozone is highly reactive, so it never fails to initiate this reaction with other particles.

As the 2nd most powerful oxidant in existance, the single oxygen atom proceeds to "oxidize" the particle it reacts with. This means it burns the particle, which changes its physical properties. As a result, the particle will no longer be toxic, and will no longer be able to reproduce if it is biological. In other words, the particle becomes completely harmless.

When the single oxygen (O1) molecule oxidizes the particle, it too is destroyed. This leaves behind the O2 it split away from, or pure and clean oxygen.

Professional Studies

The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society has reported that electric-arc welders exposed to ozone levels of 0.2 to 0.3 ppm (parts per million) for a decade showed no adverse effects. The Surround Air Ionizers produce between 0.02 to 0.04 ppm of ozone. Also, according to the 1961 Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, "During the 80-year history of the large scale usage of ozone, there has never been a human death attributed to it." To this day, there has still never been a single human death or incident of harm attributed to ozone.

This despite the fact that ozone was widely used in hospitals during the first half of the 20th century, and is still widely used in European hospitals. In addition, millions of ozone air purification systems are in use worldwide, both commercially and residentially.
In addition, the smell of ozone will become unpleasant and obnoxious well before reaching harmful levels, serving as a built-in and self-policing safety mechanism. If this happens, you know to make an adjustment (i.e. adjust setting of machine, increase air flow, place in more open/larger area).

However, at proper levels (0.02 ppm to 0.05 ppm), it will have a pleasant and clean smell to it, reminiscent of the smell outside after a lightening storm.

Protects against harmful airborne pollutants and germs. Breath cleaner, healthier air - everywhere you go! No filters to buy or clean.

Personal Ionizer Features: Negative ions help to remove dust and bacteria from the air you breathe Moderates ozone to neutralize smog, exhaust, smoke and pollen odors ON/OFF light indicator This Wearable Air Purifier Cleans The Air In Your Breathing Space To Help You Avoid Germs, Mold And Other Pollutants. Includes Back Stand Hanging String Requires 2 AA batteries

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In nature, ions are formed in a variety of ways, such as UV light, airflow friction, lighting, falling water and by plants.

 

USB Air Purifier Ionizer for fresh air at your computer Air purifier with ionizer fan Specifications: Air purifier with ionizer fan and aroma diffuser Ozone-free carbon fiber ionizer generates millions of negative ions to clean and ionize the air thoroughly High-performance ultra quiet fan draws the polluted air in then disperse the negative ions evenly back into the air Natural aroma beads enrich the ionized air further Portable, compact and fashion design Blue LED power indicator Power consumption: 1W (maximum) Power On/Off switch Power by USB (USB connection cable included) and optional 3 x AA alkaline batteries (not included) Effective range: up to 2 meters Weight: 0.15kg Dimensions: 116 x 80 x 70mm (H.W.D)

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Synthetic building materials, clothing and furniture coverings remove large numbers of negative ions from the indoor environment. The positive static charge of plastics also consumes large quantities of negative ions. Therefore, the negative ion count in modern buildings and homes is often very low.

Room ioniser Key Features Efficient reduction of airborne irritants, bacteria and allergens. Reduction of common household odors. No replacement filters or collection grids. Covers up to 500 square feet. Silent operation. Ultra-low energy use: runs only on 2.5watts. Release high-density negative ions (negative ions>/=1,500,000) to purify the surrounding air-- Negative Ions eliminate airborne contaminates such as dust, pollen, mold, smoke, pollution and pet dander. Dispense natural floral fragrances to enhance people's mood and help stimulate relaxation Technical specifications Rated Voltage: Input 120V-240V AC(adapter). Size: 3"x4"x10" G.W.: 2 lb Model Number: AP-693 Color: silver and black Regularl Price: $US129.00

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Since high levels of negative ions are needed for good health, many people put ionisers in bedrooms and major activity rooms.....

Home Ioniser With UV Lamp the 3n1 air purifier keeps your home bacteria free, and also it comes with a charcoal filter to remove odors. The 3n1 air purifier is your best choice for creating a cleaner, healthier, more comfortable environment inside your home or office Key Features Efficient eliminate airborne contaminates such as dust, pollen, mold, smoke, pet dander, and bacteria, germs, allergens. High electrostatic plate traps the dust, pollen, smoke etc.as small as 1 micron circulated in the air. UV lamp destroys micro-organisms such as germs, viruses and bacteria, and helps create a healthier environment. Easy maintenance:just wipe the dirt down from the collector rod (never has to be replaced) with a cleaning cloth. Wisper quiet operation. Runs 7-24 cleaning. Ultra-low energy use: low mode 7.5W / high mode 12W. Charcoal filter removes odor. Nice blue night chip. can be turned On or Off Technical specifications Rated Voltage: Input 120V-240V AC(adapter). Ion output: 3 million ions/cm3. Ozone output: less than 0.05ppm, 15mg/hour. Product Dimension: 17"x6.7"x5.5". low mode 6500V / high mode 7500V Model Number: AP-77A Color: Black Regularl Price: $US229.00

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The positive health effects of negative ions have been known for almost a hundred years.

Negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy," says Pierce J. Howard, PhD, author of The Owners Manual for the Brain: Everyday Applications from Mind Brain Research and director of research at the Center for Applied Cognitive Sciences in Charlotte, N.C.
" They also may protect against germs in the air, resulting in decreased irritation due to inhaling various particles that make you sneeze, cough, or have a throat irritation.
And for a whopping one in three of us who are sensitive to their effects, negative ions can make us feel like we are walking on air. You are one of them if you feel instantly refreshed the moment you open a window and breathe in fresh, humid air.
You may be one of them if you feel sleepy when you are around an air-conditioner, but feel immediately refreshed and invigorated when you step outside or roll down the car window," Howard says. "Air conditioning depletes the atmosphere of negative ions, but an ion generator re-releases the ions that air conditioners remove."

The bactericidal effects of negative ions in air

The use of negative ions to improve indoor air quality has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Although the physical action of air ionisers is accepted, there is still debate over their apparent biocidal action. A recent clinical trial in an intensive care unit suggested that air ionisers may have a role in reducing the transmission of infection in healthcare environments1 and several authors have reported that ions inhibit the growth of a range of microorganisms. A further understanding of this process was gained through bench scale experiments exposing sessile cultures to positive and negative ions2. The aim of the work presented here was to follow on from the bench scale experiments to investigate the efficacy of negative ions with aerosolised microorganisms.

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