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Negative Ionizers & Asthma

A primary trigger for asthma attacks is allergies caused by airborne irritants and allergens. Airborne irritants and allergens are very small particles, carried through the air. The particles get into your lungs, causing the allergic reaction. Keeping the air clean can help reduce your chance of an asthma attack.

  1. Theory

    • Negative ions are molecules that have a negative charge. They are produced naturally in our environment by falling water, such as in your shower or after a rainfall. You can also buy a negative ionizer that is marketed as purifying the air. The theory is that negative ionizers help clean the air by emitting negative ions into the air. The negative ions attach to airborne allergens, causing them to be heavier and fall to the ground. With the allergens out of the air, the air is cleaner.

    Benefits

    • Negative ionizers are suppose to produce cleaner air and reduce airborne allergens. Reduced airborne allergens means reduced risk of allergic response and therefore reduced risk of asthma exacerbation.

    Potential

    • Negative ions may increase oxygen flow to the brain. For those individuals who are sensitive to the affects of negative ions, negative ionizers can help you feel better, positively impacting your mood, according to researcher Michael Terman, PhD, of Columbia University in New York. Negative ionization is sometimes used as treatment for depression or seasonal mood disorders.

    Expert Opinion

    • Negative ionizers may provide some benefit. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, however, there is not much evidence that negative ionizers can actually remove particles from the air. Even though charged particles may fall to the ground, they can easily be blown back up to the air. There also is not strong evidence that negative ionizers have other benefits for those suffering with asthma.

    Cautions

    • Negative ionizers may also emit ozone. In 2009, the California Resource Board banned devices that produce ozone over a certain level. Ozone is a trigger for asthma, particularly in children.

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