UNDERSTANDING NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE IONS

Salt Lamps and Negative Ion Generation
Due to its hygroscopic properties, salt crystals absorb moisture from air. When water molecules enter the salt, they dissolve ions from the salt. If the salt is heated with a light bulb or a candle, water molecules evaporate from the salt with the ions attached to them. It is a scientific fact that when used in a small confined area (average size bedroom) for long periods of time (10-15 hours a day), crystal salt lamps can increase the negative ions in the air up to 300%. 

What are Negative Ions? 
Negative ions are odorless, tasteless, invincible molecules in the air that we inhale in abundance in certain environments: mountains, waterfalls, and beaches. These molecules have an extra electron. They are created naturally in our atmosphere as air molecules break apart due to sunlight, radiation, wind and running water. The air in most of the office buildings and houses contain dozens or hundreds of negative ions in a cubic inch. However, near waterfalls, mountains and beaches negative ion concentration of the air may be as high as tens of thousands in one cubic inch of air. 

Scientific Literature on Negative Ions 
S. A. Grinshpun, G. Mainelis, M. Trunov, A. Adhikari, T. Reponen, and K. Willeke published their research collectively in the Academic Journal "Indoor Air" and stated that air ionizers very effectively remove dust particles, aeroallergens, airborne microorganisms from indoor air, when used in small confined areas (cars, small bedrooms, bathrooms, cellular offices).

Robert A. Baron, PhD, of Purdue University published his findings on negative ions in "Journal of Applied Psychology " and stated that negative ions exert appreciable effects on cognitive performances, such as proofreading, memory span, letter copying, word finding and decision making. 

Michael Terman, PhD, of Colombia University in New York studied people with winter and chronic depression. His research showed that negative ion generators relieve depression as much as antidepressants. Unlike most antidepressants, negative ions did not have any side effects. 

The director of the research at the Center For Applied Cognitive Sciences in Charlotte, N.C. and also the author of the book "The Owners Manual for the Brain: Everyday applications from Mind Brain Research", Dr. Pierce J. Howard said that about 35% of people are extremely sensitive to negative ions: "The 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. " 

Research by Bailey W. Mitchell and Daniel J. King from U.S. Department of Agriculture, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory in Georgia, showed that the use of negative ion generators reduced airborne transmission of Newcastle Disease Virus up to 27.7% among chicken.

Disclaimer: 
The statements enclosed herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your family doctor.