Ionized air is a type of air purification technology that utilizes electric charges to remove particles from the air. It works by releasing negative ions into the atmosphere, which attach to airborne particles and cause them to fall to the ground. This technology has been used for decades, but it comes with both advantages and disadvantages. One of the primary benefits of using an ionizer is that it can reduce the amount of dust, pollen, and other allergens in the air.
This can be beneficial for people who suffer from allergies or asthma, as it can help alleviate their symptoms. However, ionizers are not effective at removing large particles from the air, such as those that cause asthma and allergy symptoms. Additionally, they do not destroy odors or gases, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs).Negative ions occur naturally in places like waterfalls or after rain. These negative ions can even positively affect humans, animals, and the environment by creating oases of pure air.
However, ionic air filters may not be as beneficial as they seem. When released into indoor air and inhaled, ozone is a potent lung irritant that can aggravate allergies and asthma. Ionic air purifiers not only produce ozone as an undesirable by-product, but they are also not particularly effective at removing other pollutants from the air. A recent study on air ionizers in school classrooms found that they reduced particulate matter concentrations and led to some improvements in the respiratory health of children ages 11 to 14. However, ionizers had an adverse effect on heart rate variability (a measure of cardiovascular health), meaning that any benefit to the lungs came at a cost to the heart.