"The action of the pounding surf creates negative air ions and we also see it immediately after spring thunderstorms when people report lightened moods," says ion researcher Michael Terman, PhD, of Columbia University in New York. While part of the euphoria is simply being around these wondrous settings and away from the normal pressures of home and work, the air circulating in the mountains and the beach is said to contain tens of thousands of negative ions - Much more than the average home or office building, which contain dozens or hundreds, and many register a flat zero. You may have experienced the power of negative ions when you last set foot on the beach or walked beneath a waterfall. They are created in nature as air molecules break apart due to sunlight, radiation, and moving air and water. Ions are molecules that have gained or lost an electrical charge. It's too early to tell for sure, experts tell WebMD, but that's not to say there is not some sound science behind the concept. Once they reach our bloodstream, negative ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost our daytime energy.Īnd these are a few of the reasons we see negative-ion generators being sold in stores and all over the Internet, but do they really work as well as antidepressants? Can they also relieve allergies by filtering out dust mites and dander? Think mountains, waterfalls, and beaches. Negative ions are odorless, tasteless, and invisible molecules that we inhale in abundance in certain environments. More information from the Dutch authority ‘Autoriteit Nucleaire Veiligheid en Stralingsbescherming (ANVS)’ regarding the recalls can be found in their news release (Dutch language).Ī complete report about radioactivity measurement in ‘negative ion’ consumer products was published by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) at the end of 2021.- There's something in the air and while it may not be love, some say it's the next best thing - negative ions. This includes exposure of consumers to ionising radiation emitted by radioactive substances that may be found in ‘negative ion’ jewellery. But the legislation also sets ‘dose limits for public exposure’.
Consumer productsĪt first glance, the hazards of radioactivity and ionising radiation might be limited to professionals that are exposed to these materials in industry (occupational exposure) or to staff and patients in hospitals (medical exposure). EURATOM was established in 1957 as a research organisation for nuclear power in Europe but its scope has been increased since then and now includes also other sources of ionising radiation and radiation protection. “EURATOM” refers to the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC or Euratom).
Legislationĭirective 2013/59/EURATOM lays down the basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation. When exposed to high doses or over a long period of time there is a risk on radiation sickness and cancer. Exposure to ionising radiation can cause cell damage to living tissue and organ damage. The atom is “ionised”, the electrical charge of the atom is changed. It appears when small particles with sufficient energy “hit” an atom and as a result electrons escape from that atom. Ionising radiation is an energy-rich radiation that can change atoms. X-rays are an example of artificial ionising radiation and radioactivity is an example of ‘spontaneous’ natural radiation. Atoms with fewer electrons than protons are positively charged ions (also knows as cations). Atoms with more electrons than protons are negatively charged ions (also knows as anions). Ions are atoms that have either a positive or negative electrical charge. You probably recall from your science classes that atoms have electrons with a negative charge and protons with a positive charge. What are the hazards of ionising radiation? Negative ions Even though the amount of radiation is low, health damage cannot be completely ruled out especially when the products are used continuously for a long time.
#NEGATIVE IONS SKIN#
It concerns products with skin contact such as bracelets, necklaces and a sleeping-mask. Dutch market surveillance authorities recalled ten products with “negative ions”.