How Does an Ionizer Fan Help?

Positive Ions

• If you sit in a traffic jam with the car window open you will take in an unhealthy doses of positive ions from the car fumes and other air pollutants. The air is also full of positive ions just before a storm. Positive ions are charged with carbon dioxide and continued exposure to them makes people feel tired. Positive ions also have an adverse effect on the respiratory system and people with asthma and similar conditions benefit from an environment charged with negative ions.

Negative Ions

• Negatively charged oxygen molecules have a beneficial effect on health. The air is charged with negative ions after heavy rainfall because falling water creates a negative charge in air molecules. Standing in the shower at home has the same effect, which is why people often feel enlivened after a shower. Lightening also creates a negative charge, which is why there is often a feeling of freshness after a thunderstorm. However, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall aren't always available, so an ionizer in one or more rooms at home is a solution to keeping the air in the house clean and invigorating.

Health Benefits

• Ionizers remove a range of air pollutants including pollen, dust, mold and household odors. This makes the machines particularly useful for people with allergies. According to a report by Dr. Felix Sulman on the physiological effects of air ionization, it also aids relaxation and sleep. There is an increased feeling of well-being and blood pressure may decrease, although using an ionizer is not a substitute for hypertension medication. Ionizers may also boost resistance to infection.

Choice

• Fan-type ionizers are typically made in a tower style and are available in a range of sizes and prices. Ionizer efficiency is rated by the number of particles it traps in the filter at one time. The ionizer should also have a prefilter as this extends the life of the main filter. A filter change light is useful because it alerts owners to needed filter changes. Also, the filter should be easy to change by simply popping the old filter out an a new one in and not require any tools.