Ions are nothing more than atoms or molecules that have gained or lost an electron. Those that have lost an electron are called positive ions, while those that have gained an electron are negetive ions. Ions are formed when an electron is detached from a neutral molecule (or atom). The molecule losing an electron becomes a postive ion and the molecule gaining an electron becomes a negative ion.

How Important Is The Size Of A Negative Ion?

Extremely important. Only small (ingestible) negative ions can be inhaled. When they are inhaled they can have positive biological effects on your body. If they cannot be inhaled, as is the case with larger clusters of negative ions, they are simply air cleaners and have no biological effect on your body. Small (ingestible) negative ions of oxygen are found in invigorating environments such as near waterfalls, pine forests, or on the seashore where waves are breaking on the rocks. They are generally produced by the action of cosmic rays, lightning and radon from the earth's crust. There are approximately 4000 small negative ions per cubic centimeter of air in these environments. Inhaling this air, highly charged with small ingestible oxygen ions is the key to the "recharged" feeling you have in these natural environments.

Are Negative Ions the Same Size?

No, there are small, medium and large ions. Small (ingestible) negative ions are highly mobile and are biologically active. Medium to large negative ions are sluggish and slow moving and just clean the air. The following diagram illustrates the principle of small air ion production.

These molecule groups are called small ions or clusters. They can also join up with larger neutral particules and form "small medium ions", "large medium ions", "large ions" or "ultra large ions" depending on particule size. However, it is essentially only the small ions which are biologically active.

How Are Ions Made?

Ions are produced by the action of natural phenomena such as cosmic rays, lightning and radon from the earth's crust on atoms in the air. At such times, some atoms lose or gain electrons and become either negatively or positively charged. These electrically charged atoms are called "ions". The process of their formation is known as Ionization and is continuous.