What is Ionization ?

 Mother Nature's Remedy for "stuff" in the air

Wikipedia defines ionization as "the physical process of converting an atom or molecule into an ion by adding or removing charged particles such as electrons or other ions. This process works slightly differently depending on whether an ion with a positive or a negative electric charge is being produced".

Huh?

To help us in the understanding of ionization it would perhaps be helpful to look to examples in nature. It is well known that prior to a thunderstorm, animals and even many humans feel nervous, jittery and irritable. However, after the storm there seems to be a feeling of calm. Both animals and humans experience this phenomena. Most people can't explain this renewed sense of well-being.

However, there is a logical explanation.

All of this is due to the amount of negative ions in the air around us. So, in understanding ionization it is necessary to remember that prior to a thunderstorm there is a very high concentration of positive ions in the air. (These tend to be pollutants such as dust, pollen, chemicals, etc.) The storm releases electrical discharges consisting of high concentrations of negative ions. Negative ions are attracted to the pollutants in the air and as they attach themselves to the pollutants they become heavier than the surrounding  air and drop to the ground.

For energy reasons, the modern home and office is tightly insulated. While this practice conserves energy, it also traps pollution indoors. Hence, there tends to be a depletion of negative ions and a buildup of positive ions in the indoor air. Consequently, the pollution buildup causes the air to become stale and lifeless. Added pollution such as tobacco smoke, mold spores and bacteria contribute to the energy depletion of individuals who live or work in such environments. These conditions may also lead to fatigue, headaches and other illnesses.

An excellent book to reference for understanding ionization energy is The Ion Effect by Fred Soyka.  Electronic negative ion generators have been used for the treatment of migraines, bedsores, allergies, asthma, hay fever, eczema, burns and emphysema. It was discovered that negative ions lower the serotonin levels in the body, and this explains why people tend to feel more alert, stable and energized in their presence. In recent years, more than 5,000 scientific papers have been published about this understanding of ionization energy.

Ions are short-lived and thus need constant replenishing from nature. In man's environment, the ion balance is critically upset. Central heating and air conditioning systems cause negative ions to disappear by friction. Air trapped indoors has little chance of being re-ionized. In cities, where the ground is paved over and ionization from the earth cannot take place, the imbalance is even more aggravated.