The negative Ionization of the air

      

       FUNDAMENTAL  PRINCIPLES 

APPLICATIONS

 ____

 

  Document delivered to the French Ministry of Health 

    General delegation to Health - June 1993

                                                                                                 

Actualization:  December 2001 

 

  I -  STATE OF KNOWLEDGE    

 

                              

 I.1 - PHYSICS OF THE IONIZED MEDIUMS :  GENERALITIES . 

 

Many publications were devoted to the study of the dispersed  mediums comprising free electric charges, only one or the two  signs, in connection with the possible presence of particles neutral  or beforehand charged, whose granulometric spectrum  extends from the  order of the nanometer to the order of ten micrometers  (cf  Bibliography in the joined documents).  The first fundamental work, published by LADENBURG (Annalen Der Physik in 1930) and PAUTHENIER  (C.R. of the Academy of Sciences in 1932), stated already the main  part of the results which will follow. 

 It arises from the totality of this work, as well  theoretical as experimental,   a whole of conclusions  checked and accepted by the community of  the Physicists. 

 If it is obviously impossible to analyze all these publications here,  it remains completely possible with the interlocutor concerned to  reach the contents of the very vast bibliography concerning this  field.  For this reason, I limited the choice of work to two very  complete syntheses, recognized particularly relevant, accompanied by  the essential bibliographical references.  Although these data go back  to several years, the analysis of rare more recent work shows than the  majority of them do not bring anything basically new  or different;  some original work, strongly documented, confirms completely pioneers works   and thus enriches the area of the applications.  Here still, it will be permissible to consult such work according to  the need. 

 

 I - 1 - 1 - ANALYSED PUBLICATIONS. 

                          I-1-1-1- " Charging and decay of  monodispersed aerosols in the presence of unipolar ion sources  " - Whitby, Liu & Peterson, Mechan.  Eng.  EPD., University  Minnesota/Minneapolis - In " Newspaper of Colloïd Science ",  1965,20,585. 

 Broad synthesis as much as development, this publication is  essential, as well by the quality of the authors, of international  audience, as by that of the work, corroborated by many publications  from which the approach is sometimes different but the  conclusion identical .  I give of it a fast analytical summary for the reasons  already indicated. 

 A certain number of precise fundamental facts   theoretically foreseeable, checked by experimental  measurements, come out indeed from this publication   

                       I-1-1-1-1- " when small ions  are generated permanently in the presence  of an aerosol of neutral particles (no charged), the particles  acquire an of the same charge very quickly signs due  to the diffusion of the ions towards the particles.  The  precipitation of the aerosol occurs then with a rate  depending on the total density of charge of the  small ions and mobility of the particles charged "  (page 589). 

 I-1-1-1-2- " decrease of a  natural atmospheric aerosol in the presence of a unipolar  source " (figure 5, page 595):  confirm the exponential decay  of the concentration of such an aerosol charged (here  negatively). 

                          I-1-1-1-3- " the half-life of an aerosol  (charged) is very short when a high ionic  concentration is maintained " (page 595) . More, this  half-life is slightly shorter with a positive charge for particles of  diameter < or = O, 26 m m, but slightly increased  beyond this diameter, compared to the half-lives of particles  identical to negative charge.  In addition " the mobility  of the particles decreases with their size  until a minimum for approximately 1m  m  and increases then for particles of higher size " (page 597).  This fact is a direct consequence of  the total charge acquired by a particle, charges  increasing with the size of this particle. 

                          I -1-1-1-4- " Charge according to its  size " (figure 6, page 598), experimental results of measurement   . These measurements, which confirm  the theoretical forecasts, show that the charge acquired by a  particle initially neutral - or neutralized - very strongly varies  with the size (the " diameter") of this particle, and will thus have a  dominating influence on the parameters of precipitation .   

                          I-1-1-1-5- " the results ( experimental)  indicate that the charge acquired by the  particles is somewhat higher for the negative  ions than for the positive ions " (page 597).  This  is in relation to the greatest average mobility of the negative ions  and the increased probability of capture which results from it. 

                          I-1-1-1-6- SUMMARIZED AND  CONCLUSIONS  (pages 599 and 600). 

 Experimental measurements are related to natural aerosols,   usual hosts of the atmosphere, like on artificial  aerosols of size chosen in a broad spectrum (28 Nm to 3,6  m m).  The three ionic sources used delivered  currents ranging between 100 nA and 3,6 m A.  For a  current reaching at least 2,7 m A, and of the  particles of diameter lower than  1 m m, the  measured charge remained in concord with the result envisaged by the  equation of White, for the N.t product = 10 ⁷Pour  of the higher diameters, the measured value was slightly lower than  the computed value.  The differences raised between computed values  and measured values, generally in concord, were more sensitive in the  case of "needle " generators:  in this case, indeed, the theory  does not take account of the disturbance caused by the high electric  field in the vicinity of  the needles. 

 In conclusion " the results indicate that a permanent source  of ions placed in a place precipitates a significant quantity of  aerosols, and in a certain number of circumstances can be an effective  means of air (page 600) .

 

 

                        I-1-1-2- " On the Theory of Charging of  Aerosols by Unipolar Ions in the Absence of an Applied Electric  Field " - Liu, Whitby and Yu - Particle Technol.  Labor.,  Depart.  Mechan.  Engin. Univers.  Minnesota/Minneapolis.  In "  Journ.  of Coll. and Interf.  Science ", 1967,23,367. 

                          Also essential publication  in what it  compares the results envisaged either by the kinetic theory  of gaz , or by the macroscopic diffusion   on the one hand, with the results of experimental  measurements  on the other hand.  A severe comparative  analysis of the results, envisaged and measured, shows finally that  the point of view of the kinetic theory offers the  best agreement with the results of experimental measurements. 

                          I-1-1-2-1- " the particles of aerosols  of a gaseous medium containing ions will be  (electrically) charged, in consequence of the movement (of agitation) thermal of the  ions, and the collisions between ions and particles  " (page 367).  The parameters acting on the value of the charge  acquired by the aerosol are then:  size of the ions, concentration of those in the surrounding  medium, exposure time to the ions, and at less  degree, nature and characteristic of the ions. 

                          I-1-1-2-2- " the effect of charge of the  particles of aerosols by the small ions is a significant factor in the  structure and the characteristics of " electrostatic precipitators (page 367)... "It (the effect of load) is also of considerable  importance in the ionic balance of the atmosphere, since the mechanism  of acquisition of charges affects at the same time the displacement  (expulsion) of the small ions produced by ionising radiations and the  statistical distribution resulting from the electric charges on the  particles aerosols " (page 367). 

 After having detailed the calculations based on the kinetic theory and  having pointed out the good agreement between the results thus  calculated and the results of experimental measurements, the authors  recall the notorious insufficiencies of the macroscopic model of  diffusion. 

                          I-1-1-2-3- CONCLUSION  (page 376). 

                          The acquisition of charges by an aerosol was examined from  the point of view of the kinetic theory, in the electric absence of  field applied to the charges .  The measured results are then in concord  with the theory.  The measured mean velocity of the ions is about 120  m/sec, their " molecular " mass calculated being then about 460,  corresponding to a mobility of 1,1.10 ^-4m²/ Volt.Sec . That expresses and checks the most usual case  of existence of " molecular bunches " consisted of a central ion  around of which are laid out  molecules retained by their dipole  moment (water in particular).  Moreover the experimentation shows that  the process of charge is not affected by the mean free path of the ions,  i.e. by the pressure of gas:  it is well there the result announced by  the kinetic theory.  Lastly, very variable according to the  circumstances, the nature of the implied molecules could not be  specified exactly, but this parameter proves of very  additional  importance in all the cases. 

 

                          I-1-1-3-  THE EFFECT OF THE  AEROIONISATION OF AIR ONE AEROSOLS IN CLOSED SPACES " -   LEHTIMAKI and GRAEFFE - Tempere University of Technology, FINLAND - In  " 3rd International Symposium on Contamination Control ", COPENHAGEN,  DENMARK, 1976. 

 The authors specify a certain number of data, in particular  the constant of decrease of the formula of LIU and Al, and compare the  theoretical and measured results:  the agreement remains excellent  in view of the difficulty of measurements.  They insist on the  fact that measurements always state that  the effect of " purification " is fast  .

 

 I - 1 - 2 - In conclusion of analysed work and the quoted  references, theories and experiments henceforth allow to confirm  the following facts: 

 I-1-2-1- the electric charges  (ions) of two signs, present or introduced into a gaseous medium  containing particles (aerosols),are fixed on these  particles depending on the laws or methods  expressed correctly by the kinetic theory of gases; 

 I-1-2-2- the parameters managing  this fixing are the density of charges, the  dimension of the particles, the duration of  simultaneous presence of the aerosols and the charges, and to less  degree, the nature or the structure of the aerosols; 

I-1-2-3- the mechanism of acquisition of the charges  does not depend on the mean free path of the ions (pressure); 

 I-1-2-4- the ions intervening in  these processes are in fact clusters made up of the initial ion surrounded by various molecules,  depending on the environment of the ion, retained by dipolar attraction,  whose " molecular mass " equivalent will be of about   460, and  average mobility of about 1,1.10 ^-4 m ²  Volt.Sec (negative ion) for an ordinary atmosphere.  The acquisition of a  negative charge by the aerosol is faster  and its  end value higher because of its  mobility higher than that of the positive ion; 

 I-1-2-5- the decrease of the  density of charges (not renewed), insulated or attached to particles,  follows an exponential law on which the parameters do not depend only on  mobility of the species in question and not  of their nature;  in the presence of a permanent  source of ions, the speed of disappearance  of the particles charged does not depend only, for each  mobility of the particles, on present ionic  density ; 

 I-1-2-6- these various mechanisms will thus  intervene directly and permanently on the  characteristics of an atmosphere, in consequence of the double  mechanism of acquisition of the existing charges   by the aerosols present, and of the expulsion  of these charged particles  towards the ground or  any other substrate of capture. 

 

 

I - 2 -  PRODUCTS CREATED BY CROWN DISCHARGE :

OZONE AND OXIDES OF NITROGEN.

 

 I - 2 - 1 - RECALLS -

 These recalls are necessarily brief.  Here still, it will be easy to  refer to the publications or monographs treating of these fields. 

 The sources of ions - in particular negative - generally used are  based on " the Corona effect ":  the high electric field, reigning  at the end of a point carried to a sufficient potential, involves the  extraction of primary charges (electrons for a  negative potential), the constitution of a localised zone of  plasma , acquisition of a primitive  charge of the sign of the primary charges by the neighbouring molecules , the constitution of "  clusters " by dipolar attraction and/or hydrogen bonds, the  acquisition of kinetic energy  (rotational  and/or vibrationnal) by shocks between ions and  molecules, the drive towards the outside of the ions under the  influence of the local electric field (source and space charge), and  neutral species excited or not by the electric " wind " created by ions movements .

 With these fundamental mechanisms is added the production , in  extremely variable quantities according to  the conditions of production of the ions, of two specific species of  our atmosphere:  ozone O ₃ and various  oxides of nitrogen NO _X   The two essential  parameters in question are the potential  of the point and the intensity of the ionic  current which it emitted .  The third parameter, whose influence depends  largely on the two first, is the relative rate of  present moisture . 

Two publications bring back and summarize the essence of our  knowledge on this point.  They comprise a very complete bibliography  of the subject. 

 

 I - 2 - 2 - ANALYSED  PUBLICATIONS . 

 

 I-2-2-1- " GASEOUS PRODUCTS CREATED BY ELECTRICAL  DISCHARGES IN THE ATMOSPHERE AND CONDENSATION NUCLEI RESULTING FROM  GASEOUS PHASE REACTIONS ".  In " ATMOSPHERIC  ENVIRONMENT " - PEYROUS and LAPEYRE.  Labor.  Elec.    Faculty of Science of PAU, 1982,16-5,959. 

 The authors analyse the results of experiments made on positive and  negative ionic sources, of type " point-plan ", for intensities and  relative moistures various. 

 They observe a certain number of essential facts, related to the  experimental parameters: 

 

I-2-2-1-1- " the production of oxides of  nitrogen primarily takes place during the  modes of sparks (hot discharges) ;    it grows with the intensity  of the current of discharge  like with the increase  in the relative humidity " (page 967); 

 I-2-2-1-2- " the production of ozone  takes place mainly during the mode of predischarge  (cold discharge ;  it grows very  quickly with the intensity of the current  of discharge like with the radius of curvature of  the point;  it is definitely more significant for positive  discharges than for negative discharges    (page 962, 963 and 967);  it depends rather little on the relative  humidity for the negative discharges " (page 963). 

 I-2-2-1-3- OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSION  -

 The experimental device used by the authors makes it possible to  observe effects specific to the very high electric fields   accompanied by strong currents of  discharge  :  short distance point-plate and potential of point  of strong value involve a broad extension of the zone of plasma,  obliged place of formation of ozone in mode of pre discharge. 

 The " cores of condensation " quoted by the authors, made up of  molecules (water, impurities possible) related to the ions by dipole  moments, are the clusters quoted by the authors of the  preceding publications:  there is perfect agreement  between the conclusions of various work. 

 I-2-2-2 - " TECHNOLOGICAL PARAMETERS THAT  INFLUENCES THE PRODUCTION OF OZONE IN A D.C. CORONA DISCHARGE  ".  In " OZONE SCIENCE &  ENGINEERING " - PEYROUS and LACAZE - Faculty of Science , PAU, 1985,8,107. 

 The ionic source used here is a wire-tube unit, intended for a  comparative study of the production of ozone depending on the  configuration. 

 I-2-2-2-1- " One will note in this figure that the  production of Ozone grows when the radius of curvature of the point  grows .  More, other authors (cf Bibliogr.)  obtained the same result  in the dry air with a gold point  (page 116), figure in reference  page 118. 

 I-2-2-2-2- " Hartmann and Gallimberti (cf Bibliogr.)  in a configuration point-plan, showed that the neutral molecules  (nitrogen or other species produced by the discharge), excited in  vibrationnal mode, are transported from the point to the plate by the  electric wind, and take a significant proportion in the transfer of energy  " (page 125). 

 I-2-2-2-3- OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSION    

 One points out the experimental confirmation of the  role played by the radius of curvature of the emissive point in the  production of ozone in mode of negative discharge:  this production  decrease very quickly when the ray of the point  decreases  . It also decrease when  the current of discharge - and by there the  importance of plasma - decreases,   thus confirming the constant results of former work. 

 One also points out the confirmation of the existence of neutral  species pulled by the electric wind towards the  collecting electrode, which thus carry a substantial proportion of the  energy of the loads after collisions. 

 

I - 3 - THE OXYGEN ION  O ₂ ^-  FREE RADICAL AND                ESSENTIAL CHARGED COMPONENT  OF THE ATMOSPHERE   

 

 I-3-1-  RECALLS. 

 The negative ions of the atmosphere exist in fact in the  shape of charged molecular ions,    made up with clusters "  negative ion/bound molecules of  water /impurities ".  The negative ion is here  the molecule of Oxygen O ₂^- having acquired an additional electron  . However the molecule of Oxygen in its fundamental state  (ordinary) is with the state bi radicalar triplet 3S_g^-O₂ with two electrons p _g^*  (2p) on anti-binding orbital  .  The  difficulty of covering of orbital  of the usual substrates  (non radicalising, except exceptions  of the living medium ,  and the need for a strong activation of the molecule of Oxygen  in a fundamental state for the mechanisms of oxidation, will give to  this one moderately oxidizing characters  in particular protecting the living matter from a brutal and  destroying oxidation.  The acquisition of the additional electron will  be done on this orbital, two of the spins becoming paired, the 3rd spin remaining free and conferring  of this fact on the ionized molecule O ₂ ^-  a  mono radicalar character and a definitely reduced  reactivity  . Far from being a " superoxyde " -   contradictory qualification with all the usual  quantum rules - the negative  Oxygen ion  will be in fact a relatively  weak oxidant   in certain cases, it will behave even  like a reducer with respect to essential chemical  species of the alive medium, situation in conformity with its quantum  configuration in its relationship with these species.  It is the joint  presence of free sources of  protons and a catalyst which, in  biological environment (vacuoles of phagocytosis...), will involve the  controlled appearance of an oxidizing character , by dismutation and  creation of singulet Oxygen ¹D_g O _{2 ,} the oxidizing shape most active of O₂  .

I-3-2-  ANALYZES of  PUBLICATIONS   

 

 I-3-2-1- " HOW SUPER IS SUPEROXYDE    " - In " Acc. Chem.  Res."  / AMERICAN CHEMICAL  SOCIETY - SAWYER and VALENTINE - Labor.  of Chem.  University  of California, 1981, 14, 393. 

 I-3-2-1-1- " Its energy of solvation indicates that  it is rather " fluorine kind " and that it will  form  with the water of the hydrogen exceptionally strong bonds "(page 394). 

 I-3-2-2-2-  " In  mediums deprived with  protons, the  negative Oxygen ion O ₂ ^-  is very stable, because a dismutation leading to the  di anion peroxide O ₂ ^{2-  -} is highly unfavourable (improbable)" (page 394). 

 I-3-2-2-3-  Study of essential reactions of  dismutation/oxidation:  page 395. 

 I-3-2-2-4-  Study of the properties of " reducer with  one electron ":  page 396. 

 I-3-2-2-5-  " Reactions with the metallic ions  - Reducer with an electron.  The ion " superoxyde " is a simple  reducer with an electron for a great number of metallic ions and their  complexes " (page 397). 

 I-3-2-2-6- CONCLUSION   

 Significant Bibliography accompanies this work (114 references),  which makes it possible to release the fundamental characters of the  molecule of negatively ionized Oxygen:  a species essential with the  exercise of many mechanisms of oxydo reduction, in particular in the  alive medium, where it is inter alia the obligatory precursor  of immunizing mechanisms of first importance. 

 

I-3-2-2-  " FREE-RADICAL PRODUCTION BY  RETICULOENDOTHELIAL CELLS "  - in " THE  RETICULOENDOTHELIAL SYSTEM " - Plenum Publishing Corp.    ALLEN, 1980. 

 Work of synthesis on the problem of the free radicals with respect to  the alive medium, in particular the negative  Oxygen ion   The author also insists on the function of  interface obliged which O₂^- plays in many essential biological reactions .  Bibliography with 124  references. 

 

 I-3-2-3- " ATMOSPHERIC ELECTRIC PHENOMENA   AND ECOLOGY " - Course of  Physics of the Atmosphere (extracted), with the International  Certificate of Human Ecology, nine European Universities - Breton  J - University of Bordeaux-I Sciences, 1976 (in progress). 

 Extract of the Course:   Complement:  Oxygen, " strange "  molecule. 

 Synthetic talk of the quantum properties of the  molecule of Oxygen and its derivatives, and their properties or  implications in the biochemical and biological processes. 

 

I-3-2-4- OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS   

 Original subject but of a difficult approach, implementing subtle  quantum characters, the properties of ionized Oxygen reveal a true "  species-crossroads " intervening in a growing number  of reactions of  oxydo reduction essential with the maintenance of the life, and its  protection via the immune system.  In atmospheric medium, where water  is usually present, the negative ion will thus exist almost  only in its  solvated form with a reduced  reactivity, and without to lose anything of its electric and  fundamental quantum characters , will forward  thus easily - via the specific ionic  channels - through the various membrane interfaces (mucous external or  internal), then will intervene under  its multiple properties.   

 

I - 4 -  EFFECTS WITH BIOLOGICAL IMPACT OF THE NEGATIVE  IONS. 

 

 I-4-1-  RECALLS -

 It is necessary for all to recall, which the Bibliography shows with  the obviousness ,  which the many  work - and except exception the principal ones - devoted to this  particular field was primarily foreign origin.  This being, the  analysis of the publications which will follow reveals too often,  contrary to the preceding ones, the lack of precise data  characterizing the apparatuses and  the protocols used.  These data are however  completely essential and their  absence or their  inaccuracy almost always led to a great difficulty of reproduction of  the quoted experiments, and announced results, with for inevitable  corollary an easy, but sterile and not very honourable polemic,  contrary to the scientific attitude constraining but necessary. 

 The analysis of hundreds of the memories above mentioned, to which I  obliged during these last years, led me - not to carry a value  judgment - but to note often  neglected  facts, and however passably obvious and verifiable: 

 - not enough memories are based on experimental  laws or physical  fundamental data and  rigorous protocols  , obliged supports   by ensuring the base of credibility; 

 - many work are satisfied to reproduce former experiments without   enrichment , or meaning analyses  approach, or  means of acquisition, while at the same time these means do not cease  developing; 

 - too little of them has of this fact the character of innovation and  rigour, making it possible to consolidate former conclusions when those  can lend to discussion; 

- a too great number of them reveal a serious ignorance of  the bibliographical data or necessary fundamental knowledge for an  objective discussion of the results.  Joined to no rational factors,  it is there probably the major cause of the polemic to which the  extreme difficulty of approach of a very complex field leads, narrowly  dependent on various and distant disciplines.  It is while  endeavouring to take account of these facts that this presentation  will thus try to constitute like the preceding ones, through some  exemplary publications, a short  synthesis of current  knowledge of the subject, allowed  without restrictions by the international scientific community and  immediately verifiable   

 From this point of view, two classes jobs must be considered: 

 - those from which the results result directly from  the strict application from laws or facts of a physical  nature  and can of this fact being held for final  assets  : charge and precipitation of all particles, inert or  alive, germ-destroying effects joint; 

                              

 

          I-4-2-  ANALYZES OF PUBLICATIONS  -

  

 I-4-2-1- RESULTS BASED ON FACTS OF A PHYSICAL NATURE

 

 I-4-2-1-1- " EFFECTS OF AIR IONS ONE  BACTERIAL AEROSOLS" - PHILLIPS, HARRIS and JONES - U.S Army  Biological Laboratories.  In " Internattion.  Journ.  of  Biometeorology " - 1964, 8-1, 27. 

 This memory is of particular importance and a total  topicality:  the study relates indeed to the action of an ionized atmosphere  (of the two signs) on species SERRATIA MARCESCENS, bacterium  saprophyte known for its major role in the hospital infectious  pathology of opportunity.  The statistical study of the results  obtained in the three situation-type (without positive ions, ions,  negative ions) clearly highlights the double awaited  role of the negative ions:  precipitation strongly  increased and died of S. Marcescens. 

 The authors conclude on the observation from the following  facts: 

 I-4-2-1-1-1- " the rate of decrease of the aerosol  of S. MARCESCENS is of approximately 23%/minute  without ionization;  it passes to 54%/minute with  the positive ions, and to 78%/minute with the  negative ions " (page 35); 

I-4-2-1-1-2- " the introduction of the negative ions  (not of the positive ions) before  that of S. MARCESCENS involves a clear increase in  the rate of decrease of S.M. This suggests that an essential  difference exists between the mechanisms of action of the negative and  positive ions on the bacterial aerosols " (page 35); 

 I-4-2-1-1-3- " ionization did not modify  the relative rates of particles of aerosols present,  according to their size  during their  precipitation" (page 35); 

 I-4-2-1-1-4- " the positive ions have a primarily physical effect(precipitation) on  the bacterial aerosol.  The negative ionshave a  physical effect definitely more intense, to which joint a biological  effect(lethal)" (page 35); 

 I-4-2-1-1-5- " Although the essence of the increase  in the decrease (of the rate of aerosol) can be allotted to the  physical action of the aéro-ions, the obviousness is repeated that  the negatively charged ions by contrast with the  positively charged ions, are responsible for a significant quantity of  biological death of the aerosol " (page 35). 

 I-4-2-1-1-6- CONCLUSION -

 The results reported by the authors, just as those that report the  memories quoted in Bibliography, are completely coherent  with the fundamental data referred to above.  One  can only observe and recall, within sight of systematic positive  results, the significant role that can and must play negative  ionization in the problems of micropollution and aerocontamination   .

I-4-2-1-2-  " STUDIES ONE THE EFFECTS OF  IONIZATION ONE BACTERIAL AEROSOLS IN A BURNS AND SURGERY LINKS  " - MAKELA, OJAJARVI, GRAEFFE and LEHTIMAKI - Helsinki  University Central Hospital, Depart.  of Publ.  Health Science,  Univers.  of Helsinki, Depart.  of Physics, Tempere University.  In " J Hyg. Camb."  1979,83,199 and Proceed.  4th Boarding  school.  Symposium one Contamination Control, Washington, cd..  The USA 1978   

 The same remarks can be made as in the case above.  In spite of the  modesty of the means (sources of ions) implemented, the precariousness  of the means of insulation of the contaminated sites and the severity  of the aerocontamination, undeniable results are recorded and  reproducible.  The conclusion besides is clearly expressed:  " Ace year energy saving method with low running expenses, ionization  of the air may prove to Be year alternative to increased air  ventilation and filtration ". 

 

 I-4-2-1-3-  " THE EFFECT OF AIR  IONIZATION ONE THE AIR-BORNE EXPERIMENTAL TRANSMISSION OF NEWCASTLE  DISEASE VIRUS INFECTIONS IN CHICKENS " - ESTOL, MAKELA and  HOVI - State Veterinary Med.  Instit.  Helsinki Univers.  Centr.  Hospit., Depart.  of Virology, Univ.  of Helsinki,  FINLAND -  In J Hyg. Camb.  1979,83,59, and   Proceed.  4th Boarding school.  Symposium one Contamination Control,  Washington, cd. the USA, 1978   

 The authors compare the rates of survival of two groups of  chicks laid out in two contiguous enclosures, compared with the air  transmission of the one with the other group of virus NDV of strong  virulence, introduced into one of the groups, in presence or not of  negative ionization. 

 The mortality of the first reference group  (inoculated) is always 100% in a few days .   

The mortality of the 2nd group is  null at the 20th day when the air of their cage is ionized  negatively, the mortality of the first group being of 100% . Without negative ionization, the mortality of the 2nd group  is then 93%  . Lastly, when the chicks are joined together  in the same cage, mortality reached 100%avec or without ionization  (direct transmission of the virus). 

 

                               I-4-2-1-4-  CONCLUSION -

 An essential fact emerges from the work analysed in this  section as it is released a fortiori from  the whole of the similar work quoted in the Bibliography:  in the  presence of negative ions injected permanently, one observes  systematically :

 - an unquestionable reduction tending to the  elimination of the quantity of present aero-contaminants  , of which the speed of decrease depends essentially on the  ionic concentration, and for a share of the immediate environment 

 - a certain lethal action  (germ-destroying effect) which depends on the same  parameters. 

 Parameters additional - but considerable - are in particular the  characteristics of the room and its relationship with the close  buildings. 

 Of course, and for the same fundamental causes  in  the presence of a permanent injection of negative ions, one observes  and measures (Laser probe for example) the same systematic reduction  in the density of micro pollutants of any nature  present in an atmosphere, their precipitation, and in the very large  majority of the cases, in logical consequence of the causes  intervening, the attenuation if not the disappearance of the  biological problems (pathological) that their presence induced and  maintains. 

Although such results can be qualified " only " physiques  have regard with what precedes, they do not have of it less one  biological impact and socio-economic some by their  consequences, and they largely justify the development of the  applications of negative ionization in the multiple places exposed  permanently to the severe risks of the aerocontamination in  particular. 

                              

 N.B   AS WELL AS THE HIGHLIGHT A DEEPENED  BIBLIOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS,  TO DATE, NO RECOGNIZED  SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATION  SPECIALISEE IN EACH FIELD OF  INVESTIGATION  QUOTE ABOVE, A CALLED INTO QUESTION  NONE ACHIEVED RESULTS OR CONCLUSIONS FORMULEES. 

 

 

 I-4-2-2-RESULTATS MELT ON FACTS OF A BIOLOGICAL NATURE

 

Contrary to the publications based on the results or physical  consequences of facts examined higher, more than one thousand of  memories, bringing back the results of a biological nature, could not  carry the unanimous adhesion of the scientific community.  I  specified  the probable if not unquestionable causes of this  situation:  it is well reflected by a work of synthesis, "  Air Ions:  Physical and Biological Aspects "  720 references  - J.M. Charry and R.I. Kavet, CRC Press Inc.  Edict.  1988,  Boca Little rat, 33431 Florida. 

 Here still, the analysis of the publications shows that these  last must be subdivided in two very different categories which  correspond indeed to the critical positions of the scientific  community: 

 - Works being based on the immediate biological consequences   systematically observable, of the interaction electric charges  / " harmful "particle  to the title of the  elimination of the harmful element;  works being based on the  observation of measurable biochemical parameters without  ambiguity  and their  recognized  biological impact  of which variability is  correlated without possible error with the checked  and measured presence, or the absence of ionization, 

 - works being based on the observation, and as much as possible  measurement, of " synthetic " parameters (evolution of  symptomatologies, the behaviours, etc.)  and/or their external  demonstrations, requiring their systematic correlation to the  presence, the modes or the absence of ionization. 

 If the first class jobs hardly raised criticisms and very little oppositions, insofar as the reported facts generally quite verifiable  and are well checked, the second category, most largely represented,  was and remains always the object of reserves, and too often of  vain polemics . 

 To conclude this analysis  on facts  belonging to the first category, I will limit myself to exposed of two  examples of works which are perfectly known to me in their statements and  their implementation . 

 

I-4-2-2-1- " CONTRIBUTION A the STUDY OF the SPACE  LOAD AND ITS BIOLOGICAL INCIDENCES " -  GOURMEL, SCHREIBER and  CANELLAS - In " Bull.  Ploughshare.  Pharm.  Bordeaux "   1964,103,49   

 

 Initially, the authors record the effects of the natural space charge,  to which are subjected the experimental animals, on certain serum  parameters.  The first results obtained, dubious, lead them to subject  the same animals to a space charge produced by a generator by ensuring  the regularity and a sure control.  They then see their first  observations confirmed :  fast and systematic appearance of a  significant lymphopenia  being able to be total   immediately contemporary of ionization. 

 Surrenalectomy of the animals eliminates the artefact which can  result from a stress without changing the nature and the intensity of  the answer, the latter being in addition observed only in  negatively ionized atmosphere. 

 The role possible - if not probable ? glyco corticoïds and  5-H.T. is considered once again in this report .

I-4-2-2-2-  " SEEKS OF AN ACTION OF  NEGATIVE IONIZATION ON THE OESTROUS CYCLE, THE GLOBULAR NUMERATION AND  THE BLOOD PICTURE OF ALBINO SPLEEN " -  GIRE-SILORET  - D.E.R.B.H. -  PHYSIOLOGY   MEDICAL  UNIVERSITY OF BORDEAUX II, 1982   

 The author observes

 - significant modifications of the oestrous cycle of spleens subjected  to negative ionization

 - a systematic lymphopenia with neutrophile polynucleosis recovering and thus confirming the results of the preceding publication  as well as several referred work. 

It should be noted that this work, just as the work referred  and of more recent work, highlights once again a possible correlation  between the negative ionization of the air and the contemporary  variations of secretion of the glycocorticoïdes, themselves in  connection with the 5.H.T. and other mediators.  Far from leading to a  systematic rejection, this work should thus give place to a new  approach profiting from considerably developed means of investigation. 

 

 

 II - STATE OF PERSONAL WORK -

 

 II - 1 -  APPARATUS GENERATOR OF NEGATIVE IONS - 

 It is a source of negative ions per "crown effect", of which  the original structure (Patents) allows an emission of primary electrons under moderate tension ( " 4200 Volts) without measurable emission of Ozone or oxides of Nitrogen (£ 0,004 ppM,  background noise of the sensor).  These new characteristics (Patents)  result from the use of an electronic optics  ensuring 

 - the possibility of emission of an ion flow of strong value under a  reduced potential of point (measured)

 - a quasi-isotropic atmospheric emission (polar characteristic  measured)  

 - super confinement of the plasma produced with the emission

 - the considerable reduction (measured, with the limit of  determination  of the ozone rate present which directly results from  it

 - the contribution close to zero of the term of external electric  field due to the source, reduced to the only field of space charge 

- the possibility of associating a number as high as  necessary of units of electronic optics for an ion flow of chosen intensity  , without rise in the potential of the points, loss of any the  characteristics of the aforementioned electronic optics (all measured  characteristics). 

 These characteristics thus allow the use of the apparatus in  all places or circumstances where the presence of  per oxidizing, just as that of the electric field of the source, are  strictly excluded.  These same characteristics answer in addition all  the conditions or requirements  expressed in work referred to  above  (Headings I - xxxxx  and make it  possible to observe the awaited results. 

 

 II - 2 -  APPLICABILITY ?

 

II-2-1- It is above all very necessary to retain that independently of  any " therapeutic " assumption , the apparatus makes - and makes only - the object of systematic applications in the fields  where its original characteristics make it possible to at least obtain  the expected  physical effects, that the experiment entirely  confirms, and this in the absence of any noted harmful effect, with a  passing higher than ten years   This being, the appearance  with varied terms of additional effects of a " biological " nature  remains however a possible consequence  such physical effects  coherent  consequence with its causes  not being able  of this fact of in no case to be excluded a priori  . Three principal applicability are currently explored: 

- 1 the evacuation (precipitation) of the micropolluants of all  natures present in the near total of the crossing points, of work or  dwelling, the granulometric spectrum covering the interval ranging  between some nanometers and some micrometers (checks carried out on  typical samples examined in Electronic scan microscopy in the Centre  of Electronic Microscopy of the University of BORDEAUX I).  The power  of the apparatuses according to the above mentioned Patent that it is  necessary to implement not being limited a priori, and any harmful  effect by per oxidizing being excluded, ionization proves to be a  method of depollution of choice for a number of critical sites where  the " heavy " installations of ultra filtration are not possible (cost,  obstruction, etc.)    It constitutes an ultimate effective and sure  recourse when the traditional devices of cleansing of the air prove to  be insufficient (hospital mediums, micro-electronics and  micro mechanics industries, etc.) 

 - 2 neutralization (germ-destroying effect) and evacuation of the  aérocontaminants present in the majority of the inhabited or attended  places, deprived, professional or public, operation controlled by  taking away and bacteriological identifications, as a need. 

   For this reason, and under the strict control of the Official  Authorities and the medical profession concerned, the equipment of  certain number of cribs of children made it possible to show, in  strongly polluted urban environment and by comparison with close cribs  identical but not equipped, the reality of the expected effects, in  the form of a modification (improvement) largely significant of the  medical statute of the young children (nose-and-throat pathologies,  contagiousness of bacterial or viral affections, seasonal allergies in  particular).  With a passing higher than six years, the remarkable  constancy of the recorded results, the complete absence of any harmful  effect of the process - object of a particular vigilance - thus  confirm the reality of the effects observed, attested in particular by  the qualified Official Authorities. 

 

 Joined to the precipitation of the harmful aerosols  mercurial (easily highlighted by collection and microanalysis), the  germ-destroying effects appear of an unquestionable interest in the  dentist's surgeries recognized for the intense aerocontamination of  which they are the place. 

 -3 the precipitation of all micropolluants present,   including various the micropolluants behaving like  aero-allergens (dust of dust mites, pollens, etc.)  able to involve of  this fact of the disorders known, more or less severe and often  difficult to surmount.  Here still, and beyond any " therapeutic "  connotation, the physical laws and the results observed are in  agreement :  the removal of the aero-allergens (controlled by sensors)  involves in the very large majority of the cases, and in a durable  way, the significant attenuation and sometimes supplements it  disappearance of symptomatology. 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                       February 1998 ? December 2001