How to combat static electricity in the air?

We have all experienced an unexpected shock at some point. When touching a door, holding onto a railing in the street, or even trying to open the door of a refrigerator. It can also happen when we come into contact with another person, sometimes resulting in audible sparks. Because humans are bioelectric, which means we have good electrical conductivity. We absorb electrons and protons through our skin and attract the static electricity in the air around us. Is that good or bad? It depends and is related to the physical process of ionization.

Suffering an electric shock does not have greater consequences beyond the anecdotal aspect of the situation. However, in our homes or workplaces, it may indicate a problem, as it can alert us that something harmful may be occurring.

First of all, what is static electricity in the air? Both people and living beings, as well as objects, are composed of atoms. And these atoms contain protons, electrons, and neutrons. Protons have a positive electric charge, while electrons have a negative electric charge. The electrons carry no charge at all. Beyond the technical explanation, we must consider that if we receive a strong influx of protons in our body, we will suffer more irritability, we will be prone to discomfort and depression, and, additionally, we will be more unprotected against lung diseases.

Unfortunately, those living in cities are the most prone to receiving positive electric charges (protons), which is why it is necessary to take this into account. In rural environments, on the other hand, it is more common for the air to contain electrons, and this type of electric charge favors us instead.

The process of receiving positive or negative electric charges is known as ionization, and it can greatly affect our well-being. And that ionization, which generates differences in our electrical charge, is what produces the static electricity in our bodies. Therefore, when we refer to static electricity in the air, we mean that there is a high number of protons or electrons, which will cause this disruption in us.

If you frequently suffer electric shocks and believe you experience too many accidental shocks when outdoors, we recommend the following:

1. Do not wear 100% synthetic fabrics. Cotton or wool are better alternatives to avoid the influx of current.
2. Electric discharges can be minimized by applying moisturizing cream to our skin, just like with softening wipes.
3. Avoid using footwear with rubber soles. This material does not allow the electricity in our body to discharge. Thus, if you walk through a city with rubber shoes, you will not release the stored protons that cause you discomfort.
4. If you touch any metallic object, such as coins or the car body, you will allow the static electricity to dissipate.
5. Being in contact with nature eliminates the static electricity accumulated in our body.

Reduce static electricity in the air of our homes

Carpets and rugs are true enemies of clean air. If you decide to opt for them, you need to be very careful, and regarding static electricity, the ideal would be to apply anti-static chemical treatments.

Similarly, upholstery also stores static electricity. You can spray the same anti-static product or use wet wipes on sofas, cushions, and armchairs.

However, the best way to enjoy a healthy and beneficial environment in our homes -besides being energy efficient- is a mechanical ventilation system, especially if it is dual flow. Thanks to this type of solution, we can control the level of air we introduce into the house and eliminate it when it is not in the right conditions.

Mechanical ventilation systems can also control the humidity level, thus helping to eliminate static electricity and ionization problems indoors. Because, if we live in cities, spending too much time in environments loaded with protons can end up being detrimental to our health. And it is precisely this static electricity that alerts us that we may have an excess of positive electric charge.