The real benefits and harms of ionizers. The best air purifier models, reviews

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— Olga

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In an urban environment, the air is a chemical cocktail of harmful impurities for the body. A person is partially protected from them inside an apartment or house. But even here dust and soot await him. Ventilation alone is not enough to replenish the supply of pure oxygen. An ionizer helps partially solve this problem. It purifies the atmosphere indoors at the molecular level. Find out more about ionizers, their actual benefits and possible harm from the point of view of specialists, the best models on the domestic equipment market.

The problem of atmospheric cleanliness

In a living space, it is especially important to breathe oxygen. The state of health, tone and longevity of a person depends on this. One of the first scientists to apply the process of aeroionization of air in practice was the domestic biophysicist Alexander Chizhevsky. He claimed that the negative ions his device generated had a positive effect on human health.

The research had a large number of opponents and created many problems for the scientist. The exact mechanism of the effect of ions on the body is not fully understood today. Some people read the details of the theory as pseudoscientific. But doctors do not deny the overall beneficial effect of such therapy, calling the particles air vitamins. The number of ions per unit volume of air is considered important in determining its purity and usefulness. This parameter is on par with humidity and the percentage of heavy metals and other dust particles.

In nature, the proportion of negatively charged ions in inhaled gases is 2-4 thousand per cubic meter. cm. After a thunderstorm or near waterfalls - up to 50 thousand for the same unit. Near busy highways - only 100. In city apartments, the average ranges between 500-600.

What is air ionization

Small flying particles of dirt, dust, and soot are positively charged. The elements produced by a special device have opposite charges. Due to the potential difference, they attract unwanted suspended matter and contribute to their settling on nearby surfaces. After the procedure, wipe off the dust with a damp cloth and rid the room of harmful “harvest”. This is what the manufacturers of modern ionizers promise.

During normal ventilation, used air masses are replaced by new ones from the street. But the oxygen-enriched portion will be no less contaminated than the previous one: with microparticles of metals, allergens, and harmful microorganisms. The creators of portable ionizers promise the physical elimination of this dirt and dust. In fact, it is a change in the structure of the air itself.

Ionization as a useful modification complements the functions of some models of modern air conditioners, humidifiers and other household appliances. There are also separate air ionizers. They are divided into categories according to type of work:

1. Unipolar. They generate only “minus” particles. Today, these ionizers are becoming obsolete because they oversaturate the atmosphere with their charge. This extreme is also not conducive to health.
2. Bipolar. Produces both types of charges. More expensive, but also safer.

Air purifier: benefits and harms

Today, world-famous manufacturers of electronic and household appliances offer a huge selection of a wide variety of products. Not the least important place here is occupied by home air purifiers, which, according to the same manufacturers, should be in every home. What is the reason for such statements?

• Firstly, a home air purifier will help normalize the microclimate in your apartment, because your comfortable stay depends on them.
• Secondly, these devices prevent the deterioration of human health, which can occur gradually due to the natural penetration of dust and other dirt into the body.
• Thirdly, an air purifier may be necessary for a sick person, for example, an asthmatic or allergy sufferer.

From the above we can conclude that the benefits of an air purifier lie in the following aspects:

1. The device is capable of cleaning the indoor air from both household and street dust in just a few tons.
2. The device purifies the air from microorganisms and dust mites contained in it, as well as from their waste products.
3. The filter of the device is capable of retaining pollen and fungal spores, which has a positive effect on the condition of allergy sufferers.
   Air purifier for allergy sufferers and asthmatics
4. Using the presented device, you can eliminate the smell of burning, smoke, carbon monoxide and other exhaust gases, which is recommended in apartments whose windows overlook a busy highway.
5. The device acts as protection against viruses, and this may become necessary when there is a sick person in the house.
6. The air purifier can also act as an automatic fragrance or ionizer.

As for harm, there is one rather contradictory statement from medical specialists. Thus, some warn people against a possible decrease in immunity, because the “crystal” purity of the indoor climate leads the body to weaken its protective functions.

But such a statement is not confirmed in specifically diagnosed cases, but the benefits of using an air purifier are actually noticed and noted by attending physicians.

Health effects: proven and unproven effectiveness

Modern medicine does not have a negative attitude towards air ionizers. Aeroionotherapy as an adjuvant is used in the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases of any nature, hypertension, and allergies. The beneficial effect in these cases is confirmed by a large number of reviews from ordinary people. They also claim: procedures with an ionizer accelerate the healing of wounds on the skin or mucous membranes.

The main effect of using the device:

• breathing becomes deeper;
• blood flow and gas exchange improve;
• metabolism accelerates;
• tone increases, mood improves;
• physical strength increases.

A cohort of opponents of air ionizers calls these properties the placebo effect. Practical tests have shown: in comparison with Chizhevsky’s invention, low-power modern devices cannot significantly increase the number of negative particles in the room.

Important! During experiments with different ionizers, the indicators increased by 100-300 units. On the other hand, in a metropolis, even such a change can be significant.

Types of ionizers

A lot of ionization devices are produced today. Some devices perform only one function, while some combine it with others.

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When using any ionizer, the following conditions must be observed:

• The device cannot be kept on all the time; you should carefully study the instructions.
• It is better not to be in the room during the ionization process.

All ionization devices are unipolar and bipolar. The former can produce only negative air ions and during operation emit a lot of ozone elements that are harmful to health. The second type of device emits both positive and negative air ions, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the emission of harmful ozone.

When choosing an ionizer, you must pay attention to the existence of a certificate confirming its safety for humans.

One of the unipolar ionizers is the Chizhevsky chandelier, which is not recommended for use in residential premises and in children's institutions. Although in the modern version a large number of negative ions accumulate mainly near the device itself, this does not guarantee complete safety for humans.

Bipolar air ionizers have more advantages compared to unipolar ones:

• emit much less ozone;
• do not allow the formation of an electrostatic field;
• do not emit nitrogen compounds, which are harmful to health.

First, ions with a positive charge are produced, and then - with a negative one. It turns out that the action takes place alternately. The concentration of ions is set according to a program that can be configured for a certain number of ions. The supply of ions in portions prevents objects from becoming magnetized. As a result, conditions similar to natural ones are created.

However, in nature, positively and negatively charged particles are mixed with the help of air movement, which is not the case indoors. But there is a fan built into the device that partially fulfills this role.

Unfortunately, it is not powerful enough for the movement to be sufficient. Some sites offer to make an ionizer with your own hands, but this idea can be fraught with consequences if you perform some steps incorrectly.

Possible harm and contraindications

Cautions when using a home ionizer are dictated by the laws of physics and common sense:

1. It is not advisable to be near the switched on device. The settling dust can get onto the mucous membranes or directly into the lungs. Depending on the ionizer model, the minimum distance to it varies between 1-3 m.
2. Before switching on, perform a wet cleaning. Clean the ionizer itself. Your goal is flying dust, not settled dust.
3. Turn on the ionizer for a short time. The average duration of a cleansing session depends on the specific model, but rarely exceeds 15 minutes.
4. Buy ionizers with particle counters so as not to overdo it with charges during operation of the device.
5. Do not use the device if you have cancer. Blood nutrition will improve not only in healthy cells, but also in affected ones. Because of this, malignant formations will only grow.
6. For a similar reason, an air ionizer is contraindicated in a person’s resting place after surgery. The procedure may make it difficult to stop bleeding.
7. Get ready for the challenges that come with a faster metabolism. For example, increased body temperature or increased appetite.

Attention! Some studies warn of the dangers of the ionizer in diseases of the central nervous system, problems of the lungs and joints, and in the presence of inflammatory processes. There is a point of view that recharging the atmosphere stimulates the spread of viral infections in it. But this has not been proven.

Corona discharge ionizer

It is installed in rooms where people often smoke. The device releases ozone molecules, which effectively neutralize tobacco smoke and eliminate unpleasant odors in a few minutes. From the instructions you can find out the amount of ozone emitted by this device, which according to the norm should be no more than 0.0 ppm or 0.1 mg/m3.

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It is not recommended to smoke in the place where this type of ionizer is turned on. Under the influence of air ions, resinous substances are deposited on the walls of the bronchi and larynx, and severe irritation and inflammation of the latter begins. At this time, you must leave the room until the treatment is completed.

Safety regulations

Modern air ionizers repeat in miniature the principle of operation of the “Chizhevsky chandelier”. However, not all manufacturers are conscientious about the intricacies of the mechanism for producing negative air ions. As a result of using such an ionizer, dangerous ozone gas is released in large quantities. It gives that same smell of post-storm freshness. Oversaturation with it causes dizziness and headache, sometimes nausea.

Important! With regular, long-term consumption of ozone, even an adult develops bronchitis and asthma.

An important nuance in choosing an ionizer is its correct operation. It is unlikely that the average buyer has special equipment. You can only rely on quality certificates. Carefully study the specifications documents supplied with the air ionizer model. If you try to save money, you will end up with a device that is too low-powered or dangerous to your health.

Also read the instructions carefully. General requirements for the operation of ionizers:

• respectful distance to a person;
• short-term use no more than 2-3 times a day;
• wet cleaning before and after ionization;
• mandatory washing and changing the filter if available;
• If a strong smell of ozone appears, immediately ventilate.

Attention! Smoking is strictly prohibited in a room with the ionizer turned on. The smoldering products collected by the particles will immediately settle in the lungs of the smoker and others present.

How to use an air ionizer correctly

To use an air ionizer correctly in order for the device to maximize its beneficial properties, you need to do the following:

1. Ventilate and turn on the ionizer at different times. The effectiveness of the device when the window is open will be reduced to mumm, and its useful properties will literally fly out the window.
2. During the first 10–15 tons of operation of the device, it is better to leave the room so as not to cause harm to your own body.
3. Smoking is strictly prohibited when the device is turned on, as even more carcinogenic substances appear in the air.
4. It is recommended to place the device at a distance of 1–3 m from a person. It can be hung on the wall or placed on the nightstand.
5. To eliminate harm from exposure to televisions or computers, you need to place the device between the viewer and the screen.
6. If useful ionization is carried out for the first time, you need to limit the operation of the device to 20 minutes.
7. If both a computer and a TV are located in the room, then it is worth leaving the device for a longer time so that the harm from electronic devices is mitigated.
8. If the risk of developing harmful diseases of the respiratory system is increased, 3-4 sessions of 10 tons per day can be performed. Then the body will receive more benefits.

Rating of the best equipment

In the category of bipolar air ionizers, the following are in greatest demand:

iBaby Air A1

1. iBaby Air A1. This smart model for children's rooms can not only clean, but also inform about progress through a smartphone application, program a schedule, work as a night light and a baby monitor with two-way communication. The ionizer requires Wi-Fi for normal operation. It is expensive, but it also has good consumer reviews. The creators’ product line includes other models with greater performance and video communication.
2. Amber series. It is produced in the Russian Federation. The elegant design of the case with a mini fan runs silently. The range of ionizers can cover rooms of different sizes, up to 25 square meters. m. There is an option to control the number of ions and unipolar mode. Controlled by remote control.

Amber series
Among unipolar ionizers, the best are:

Boneco P50

1. Boneco P50. Considered one of the best in its class. It will do its best in a room with a computer, TV, other household appliances, or inside a car. The device is small-sized and connects via a USB port. Additionally, it is equipped with a fan, an LED flashlight, and an aromatization option based on essential oils. Despite its popularity, the device’s area coverage is only 10 square meters. m. But this is quite enough to process a couple of rooms.
2. MILLDOM M900 Premium. Expensive and powerful ionizer of high quality construction. Capable of cleaning up to 160 sq. m of living space. There is a function of ozonation of water and air. Use the latter with caution, without exceeding the concentration of the gas produced. The ionizer is mounted on the wall. The manufacturer also has less powerful analogues.

MILLDOM М900 Premium

Alternative methods

In modern homes you can find quite a few devices that are generators of particles with positive potential. These are electronics and electrical appliances. The first measures to control the problem: reduce the period of use of the TV or PC, open the window during and after their operation (except for regular regular ventilation).

Important! Children are especially sensitive to the oversaturation of the atmosphere with positive particles. TVs and computers in their room are unwanted “tenants.”

The next step is landscaping. Flower growers have suggested a list of plants that are natural air ionizers:

• ferns;
• chlorophytum;
• Sansevieria;
• ficus benjamina;
• geranium;
• begonia;
• Noble laurel, etc.

The effectiveness of air purification with indoor plants has not been confirmed by rigorous research. But greens will provide some assistance to basic measures. Salt lamps have a similar effect. Turn them on after wet cleaning of the apartment.

Purchasing a room ionizer becomes a necessary response to the polluted atmosphere of an industrial city. Even behind closed windows, heavy metals, dangerous bacteria and other suspended matter “live” in the apartment. The air itself is charged with positive air particles from working household appliances. All this has a bad effect on health. But purchasing one ionizer will not fix the problem. It is important to regularly ventilate your home, landscape the interior, and maintain a healthy rhythm of life.