What is an ion air freshener?

The ion air freshener is designed to remove the dust and other pollutants from the air using a current of negatively charged particles. These negative ions move to their charge on pollutants in the air, which are then attracted to a positively charged board with magnetism. However, there is some debate on whether the air freshener is actually effective in air cleaning and some doctors fear that the machines emit ozone, which can be dangerous.

In 1978, scientists at the Swiss Meteorological Institute presented the correlation between seasonal winds and health conditions. They showed a link between seasonal wind in many regions and physical and mental states such as headache, depression and even heart attack. They also noted that all these winds came with a positive ion charge. Air quality studies around the waterfalls and after the rain identified a negative ion charge and connected a negative charge with better air quality.

freshenerIon air is built around this assumption and generates a constant current of negative ions into the air. When the ions encounter particles floating in the air, such as dust, they switch to their negative charge. After charging, the particles are attracted by positive molecules and create clusters that are too heavy to float and fall out of the atmosphere. A positively charged board is often installed on an ion air freshener to attract pollutants such as a magnet.

The manufacturer claims that the ion air freshener can remove odors, dust, smoke, allergens and other irritating substances from the air. Some machines are equipped with a fan for air circulation and pumping pollutants, but otherwise silent. The advocates also point out that the ozone generated by an ion air freshener acts as oxidative and germicide, making air cleaner and safer to breathe.

Some experts have doubted the ability of the ion air freshener to improve air quality, especially in models that are not equipped with fans. Without a mechanism for air circulation, negative ions reach just a short distance from the machine. Air on the other side of the room can be completely unaffected.

Although circulation is not a problem, the charged board does not effectively collect particles, some experts said. As the dust lands on the board, negative and positive ions are disturbing each other and sharply reduce the efficiency of the board. The charged particles are more often connected to walls or TV screens until the charge is dispersed, then returns to the atmosphere.

Ozon is another source of concern. Although ozone is an excellent germicide, it is also dangerous for humans if concentration gets too high. The ion air freshener only produces low ozone levels, but in an enclosed space the ozone level can increase to dangerous levels.