What is ionization and what does it consist of?

The concept of ionization and its importance in the air we breathe is something that may be unfamiliar to many. However, it is not so much if we mention that humans are greatly affected by static electricity. And undoubtedly almost everyone will see themselves reflected when thinking of having received an unexpected shock. For example, when touching a metal door or resting hands on an escalator. Even in contact with another person.

In all those processes, ionization is present, but it is also present in irritability, disorientation, bad moods, or joint pain. Do you know someone who, after undergoing a traumatological operation, can sense that there will be a storm the next day? That is also part of ionization.

But not everything is bad, as this process can also help us significantly. For example, in other situations, we can benefit from greater tranquility or higher quality of our sleep, in addition to being able to protect ourselves against diseases or making us more resistant to bacteria. If you live in a city, do you remember those who, as youths, spent a few months in natural environments and then remained healthy for long periods? Yes, that is also due to ionization. Formally, we can state that ionization in physical processes is the separation of electrons in neutral molecules, through high temperatures or ionizing radiation -such as the application of ultraviolet light, X-rays, or alpha, beta, or gamma radioactivity-, or by applying strong electric fields. In this way, positive charge of electrons is supplied. That is why storms or lightning formations provide ions. But so do plasma screens or fluorescent lights. However, we can explain it in a simpler way.

The air is not only affected by pollution, but there are many other components, and some significantly affect our health, such as ions, which are electrically charged particles of air. Depending on the situations, it can be a beneficial process - such as negatively ionized oxygen - but in other instances, it has harmful effects, such as carbon dioxide charged with positive ions.

It is important to remember that the ionization of air is simply the gain or loss of electrons from the molecules present in atmospheric gases. To make it simpler, it should be said that if there are more positive ions (protons) it is a harmful effect for people, while negative ionization (greater presence of negative ions, known as electrons) favors us.

Protons and electrons cancel each other out, so we can compensate for them in our body. It should be remembered that humans are bioelectrical, so these charges of protons and electrons affect us.

What happens when the air has been positively ionized? This would mean there is a greater charge of protons:

• Hyperactivity, migraines, anxiety, bad moods, joint pain, or aggression occur.
• Depressions are increased by the proton charge in the air. Chronic fatigue or insomnia is also exacerbated.
• A weakening of our organism occurs, making us less resistant to diseases or bacteria.
• Traumatological or bone pains increase.

Knowing that positive ionization - due to the rise in positive charges - is harmful to us, how can we avoid it? First, knowing where this formation of protons occurs.

• Thunderstorms form protons due to colliding masses of air. Normally, this harmful ionization occurs before the storm, which is why those who have undergone an operation can predict the arrival of a storm: they feel in their bodies the arrival of electrons, which is more noticeable in the bones that are being healed.
• In cities, there is an excess of positive ions due to atmospheric pollution, compounded by a lack of parks and green spaces.
• The influence of the Moon also causes protons to increase.

It is curious that, in many countries like the United States, the police place greater emphasis on the days when the Moon is closer. In tropical countries where there are rainy seasons with heavy monsoon storms, it is also taken into account that it is a period that can increase discomfort or crimes.

How can ionization in the air benefit us?

Not all is bad news. When negative ions dominate the air, our physical and mental performance increases.

• We are much more productive and we rest better.
• Negative ionization promotes relaxation and a healthy mental state.
• Problems of asthma, allergies, and other lung ailments decrease thanks to the electrons in the air.
• Protection against bacteria and other diseases is better in environments with negative ionization.

Do you remember what used to be said about people living in rural environments never getting sick? It is not a myth but has a scientific basis in ionization. In natural places is where electrons are most concentrated. Spas, areas with hot springs, coasts, or mountains are areas loaded with electrons. That is why they benefit us.