Q What is an air ion?

Most matter in the universe is ionised. In the high vacuum of space, atoms and molecules in excited energised states and possess electric charges. By contrast, only a small proportion of the earth's atmosphere is ionised.

 

Q How are ions formed in Nature?

cosmic radiation acting on the ionosphere
natural radioctive gas (radon) in the air
natural radioactivity in ground-level bedrock
electrical storms
heavy rain, surf, waterfalls

 

Q What is air ionisation?

A gas molecule is made of several atoms. Each atom consists of a central nucleus and one or more orbiting electrons. An electron (shown in blue) has a negative electrical charge. A small proportion of atoms in our atmosphere are exposed to ionising radiation that forces an electron out of orbit ... and into orbit around another atom. Move your mouse over the picture:

 

The atom losing an electron is called a positive ion; the atom gaining an electron becomes a negative ion. All negative ions are formed as primary ions - an atom with just one additional electron. Ions tend to cluster with time and distance and the number of molecules within the cluster dictates whether it is classified as a:

  • Small Ion (less than 8 electron charges)
  • Medium Ion (8-50 electron charges)
  • Large Ion (more than 50 electron charges)

Small and Medium Ions have greatest effect on living organisms whilst large ions are effective at neutralising static and precipitating particles from the air. All ionisers initially emit primary ions. The term 'medical' ions or 'ingestible' ions are misleading as all small and medium negative ions are equally healthy and equally breathable.