Ions in the Atmosphere

     Do you know that the upper atmosphere contains a high concentration of positive ions, while the ground contains negative charges? The usual ratio is 5 positive ions to 4 negative ions. It is in this ratio that life evolves. Scientific study showed that if the natural ratio were upset, it would be damaging to human physical and mental well-being. An overdose of positive ions is bad, while an overload of negative ions seems to be beneficial.

      Why do you normally feel bad before a storm and humid days? Your grandparent may even say "It's going to rain, I can feel it." Positive ions are produced between air masses and between layers of wind. On humid and dusty days, there is an overdose of positive ions because of negative ions attach themselves to particles of dust and moisture, thus losing their charge.

      What do you feel after a storm? You feel vigorous and refreshed. The air is fresh and clean. Why does the feeling of freshness pervade the air after a storm? This is so because, after a storm, there is an overdose of negative ions that eases tension and pressure. This makes us feel that we are full of energy.

      In the mountains and on the hills, you feel rested. Why? It is because there is loss dust in the air to consume the negative ions. By the seashore and near a waterfall, you feel good. The energy of moving water generates a lot of negative ions. Niagara Falls is considered as the most amazing negative ion generator in the world. This may be the reason for its being a honey-mooners' paradise.

      These are only some of the documented pieces of evidence in the research made by America's Dr. Krueger and Israel's Dr. Sulman on the effects of ions (Soyka, 1977).

      The research on the effects of ions has not stopped. It will probably take a long time before the last word can be written on the subject. Meanwhile, it will not be wrong if you consider the role played by ionization as a physical factor that affects the environment, especially pollution, health, and the behavior of humans.



Source: Phoenix Science Series - Chemistry by Estrella Elona Mendoza