[TenTec] OT

[Gary Smith]

Ionizers send out ions which are charged particles. They are 
attracted to tiny particles floating in the air be it dust, mite 
dander, whatever. This particle is now larger and has more weight. 
More ions are attracted and cling to this larger particle and the 
particle is inclined to fall to ground thanks to gravity or attach 
itself to a solid object.

Inhalation of such charged particles causes them to attach to lung 
tissue with some micro trauma and cellular changes. Not good. The 
same for the attachment to the skin; many of the same issues related 
to smoking. You'll see walls and objects near to the ionizer become 
darker and this is from the attachment the charged particles to the 
wall.

Do a google search for "Free Radicals" and the information should be 
of interest. A brief answer is 
here:http://www.healthchecksystems.com/antioxid.htm 

If you look at the newer Ionizers sold by Sharper Image you'll see an 
attachment the older ones did not have and this I believe is supposed 
to deal with the release of charged particles.

Be aware you can't avoid these ionized particles and they are 9or 
were) commonly used by larger stores to process their air and give an 
fresh & invigorating feel the customer perceives when walking into 
the store. Electrostatic air filters create these particles. 

Ozone production is greatly affected by the voltage oxygen encounters 
and I do not recall the specifics but ionizers of the sort allowed 
for sale be it from the Sharper Image or from your electrostatic air 
filter; are maxed at something around 5KV and much more than this 
rips the Oxygen molecule apart and creates the abundant Ozone that is 
harmful. 

There is a difference between a charged particle and Ozone. It's that 
old drill; All charged particles are not Ozone but all Ozone are 
charged particles. 

Gary
Who was a lucky one to work VP6DX on 160, barefoot from CT with his 
Omni V

> Ok I admit it I am a knuckle dragger ... Is that how Ionizers made to
> clean air work by creating Ozone ?