Air ioniser

From ArticleWorld

Air ionisers are machines that produce strong negative ions from gaseous molecules in the air. They are sometimes known as ionic air purifiers and are believed to purify the surrounding air.

Mechanism

Air ionisers work by exposing air to a highly negative charge that produces negative gaseous ions. Negatively charged ions are, among other things, believed to cause a feeling of well-being when one is near it.

Uses

Air ionisers are used primarily in Eastern Europe and in Asia as ionic air purifiers. By creating negatively charged particles in the air, it facilitates the attraction of these particles to neutral or positively charged particles that are heavy enough to fall to the ground. This leads to particles of dust and dirt collecting on and around the ioniser, necessitating frequent cleaning.

The negative ions created by the ioniser are believed to be toxic to air-borne bacteria. Recent studies in Britain regarding the use of air ionisers in hospitals showed a reduction in dangerous bacteria in the presence of ionisation machines.

Consumer issues

Air ionisers are legal in the US and in Western Europe but, due to claims that they are ineffective as air purifiers, they are not in popular use. In addition, the ionisers produce small amounts of ozone, which is known to be toxic.