Health page Helth010

In her discussion with you a few days ago, my wife, Eleanor, had spoken with you concerning negative-ion air purifiers and that you had expressed some interest in this topic. Enclosed is a letter that had I sent to a friend of my mother who has breathing problems.

There are several negative-ion generators on the market. One of the pioneers was Bionair of Montreal. Its most basic device includes a sprig of wire ends charged to about -8,000 volts. (It is important that the emitter be a sharp object rather than a blunt one in order to increase the electrostatic potential gradient, as it takes a gradient of about 30,000 volts per cm in air to ionize atoms.) A key aspect of the utility of such devices is the adhesion of the emitted negative ions to airborne particles of dust, smoke, and microorganisms. These particles become charged and then adhere to nearby surfaces such as walls, floors, and the device itself. The Clearveil product that we have differs in that the device includes, in addition to the emitter (a long, fine, wire charged to -8,500 volts), a metal backplane charged to +8,500 volts, in front of which is a sheet of tissue paper. With this device most of the charged particles are attracted to the backplane and are trapped on the paper rather than ending up on other surfaces.

I have recommended this product to another person who, in turn, was instrumental in having the device used by his friend. She has one lung and severe breathing problems that are readily aggravated by air pollutants. After only a day or two of using the device, she reports remarkable improvement. It is also reported to be especially useful for asthmatics. This would seem to make sense because, although most air purifiers -- such as those using HEPA filters -- trap particles as small as 0.3 microns, the Clearveil device traps particles as small as 0.001 microns in diameter.

Some particle sizes quoted by Clearveil are as follows:

     Tobacco smoke:         ~ 8 to     0.01     microns
     Smog:                            1 to     0.001
     Virus:                         ~ 8 to      0.001
     Bacteria:                      10 to      0.01
     House dust:            > 100 to   ~ 0.009
     Animal dander:           10 to ~ 0.02
     Molds & pollen:       ~ 80 to   ~ 0.6
     Insecticide dust:          10 to      0.1

     Clearveil range: ~ 200 to       0.001
     HEPA range:       ~ 200 to    ~ 0.4 or 0.3

From my very limited medical knowledge, the smaller the particle the greater the threat it poses to asthmatics because of the blockage of the very smallest passages (alveolus?) in the lungs. Clearveil claims that 97% of airborne particles are less than 0.3 microns in size, the limit for HEPA filters. Clearveil also claims other benefits, including supposedly beneficial changes in pH levels in blood, and the consequent inducement of a relaxation effect, about which I do not know enough to form an opinion. (See notes from first web site listed in letter below as to this and other medical aspects, including strep and staph infections.)

I have much more detailed literature; however, I have loaned it out. It gives results of studies of the device's efficacy by independent consultants. It is being used in many Japanese hospitals and in the Olympic games. (If the IOC classifies this as a performance-enhancing drug inducer, it could be great news for the Clearveil marketers! After all, the (liquid) drug sold by a major sponsor of the Olympics (Coca-Cola), is black-listed by the IOC as a restricted performance-enhancing drug, along with my favourite drug, coffee, although I prefer to call it an (innocent) drink! That is the major reason why I am not an Olympic athlete, I'm sure! I couldn't devise a way to cheat on the coffee tests! I also confess to taking Vitamin C; it may be next on the IOC list. If the IOC finds this out, my athletic career is over for good, nipped in the bud at the tender age of 61!))

Apart from the letter, I have also taken the liberty of attaching material from Quackwatch, a site that tracks dubious medical claims. I have added a couple of examples from it, one on the "science" of homeopathy, to give you a flavour of its approach. (It did not seem to criticize neg-ion generators, although it did have a few acerbic comments concerning Deepak Chopra!)

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To: Mrs xxxx, Victoria, BC

From: Wayne Paulson

Re: Negative Ion Air-Purifier Generators

My Mother, Inez Schneider, asked me to forward information about air purifiers to you. My wife, Eleanor, is especially sensitive to pollutants in the air, such as mites, pollen, and so on, especially at certain times of the year, and especially in her office at work. (It may be something in the carpeting or air-conditioning system.) We have had the smaller model of the ClearVeil purifier for many months now, and we find that it works very well. We know that it works because (1) Eleanor feels much better, and (2) you should see how dirty the paper collector page gets in four weeks, especially as I am a smoker! It may have also gone under the name Silent Air. It is now a Jenn Air product (the appliance company (stoves)).

I have enclosed a BC contact. As to price, we were quoted Cdn$375 at a vacuum-cleaner outlet here in Ottawa but, as we bought two of them, we got them for $325 or $350. Note that it is a registered medical device, at least in Ontario, and, as such, can be at least partly paid for under health insurance. The smaller unit (the one we have) is available on the Internet for US$200, but I think that it would be safer to buy it from a local outlet, even though it will cost a bit more.

The parent company and inventor (medical doctors) are in Japan. I have read more detailed research reports and can verify that this is a genuinely useful product, even though it is based on a very simple idea. Stay away from products that brag about generating ozone! This one does not brag about generating ozone, only about how to minimize it! Ozone can be very harmful, although it occurs naturally in our air. This unit does generate ozone, but only a very small amount, and that aspect has been tested
thoroughly, as the inventor is aware of these dangers.

I suggest that if you want to buy one, ask the dealer if you could try out a unit at home for a few days to see whether it works for you. That is what we did (for a week).

Good luck to you! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

For the same model of negative-ion air purifier that we have, I found the following on the World Wide Web using AltaVista and Clearveil (of 100 hits). (Using ClearVeil gave only 3 hits, all in Japanese.)

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HomeAir Centre - Ionizers - Clearveil Fanless Electronic Air Purifier/Ionizer. Creating the Technology for Healthful indoor environment. People who have health problems from the common cold. . . .

Fanless Electronic Air Purifier/Ionizer: http://www.pris.bc.ca/homeair/equip/clearveil.html Creating the Technology for Healthful indoor environment.

People who have health problems from the common cold and flu viruses to asthma and allergies can benefit from the clean air home environment which Homeair Products can help to provide. You do not have to suffer from health problems or allergies to appreciate our products. If you are simply concerned about the amount and the type of household dust you breath in daily, you could use a Clearveil Air Purifier/ionizer.

The Clearveil Air Purification Systems are one of the best I have seen. Clearveil produces negative ions and disperses them into the air. Negative ions are known to activate the function of the endocrine glands easing irritation. They help purify the blood by transforming acid blood into alkaline with a healthy pH of 7.4. They improve metabolism by activating the function of membranes. These are added benefits of negative ionization aside from air purification.

The Clearveil has been tested quite extensively in Japan and North America. Saitama Prefectural Medical College Pediatrics, Toho University Pediatrics, and National Sanitarium Morioka Hospital Pediatrics tested the usefulness of the Clearveil Fanless Electronic Air Purifier at the 31st Japanese Infantile Allergy Conference, for instance. In the case of children with bronchial asthma, the results of using the Clearveil indicated a trend of reduced number of attacks and coughing. For patients with allergic rhinitis there was a reduction in the volume of mucus and the degree to which nasal passages were congested. These benefits were derived from the fact that dust particles had been greatly reduced. In other tests counts of Methicillin Resistance Staphlococcus Aureus (MRSA) in hospitals had decreased with the use of Clearveil in a patient's room. Clearveil has an effectiveness equivalent to that of isolators in comparison studies on counts of falling virus in a tent.

It has certain advantages over other ionizers. The primary one is that the collection sheets, even though they are an added cost, are effective in drawing most of the dust back to the unit as opposed to walls and floors. All ionizers trap dust but the question is where is the dust trapped. The essential difference between the Clearveil and other ionizers is that Clearveil uses collection sheets. These positively charged sheets effectively attract most of the dust back to the unit as opposed to walls and floors, as in the "Cohesion Effect". The advantage is that walls and floors do not become dirty as quickly.

The Clearveil ionizer/purifier is designed to remove smoke. Tobacco smoke dust is as small as 0.01 microns in size. The Clearveil traps dust well below that size, down to 0.001 microns. At 0.001 microns in size Clearveil will trap bacteria and some viruses. Also, the Clearveil is more powerful than typical ionizers as it covers a large area up to 500 square feet. When compared to HEPA air cleaners, Clearveil traps a significantly larger number of particles less than 0.3 microns. Smoke, viruses, dust and bacteria are mainly in this size range. Clearveil can be mounted on a wall or used as a free standing unit.

Clearveil is produced by a research and development oriented company in Japan established by a well respected scientist named Dr. Yasuyuki Fujimura. Clearveil was adapted for use in the lodgings in Athletes Villages for the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea. It has also been installed in numerous hospitals, nurseries, office buildings, hotels, schools, fast food restaurants, and manufacturing plants, not to mention homes.

Two models are available. The 500 model, suitable for a 500 square foot space, features the following specifications- Power requirements 4 watts, 110v, dimensions 20"x12"x2", weight 4.4 lbs. The 250 model is similar in all ways except it is suitable for a smaller space of about 250 square feet and is smaller in dimensions 14"x11"x2".

What are ions?

Ions are molecules that carry a charge of electricity. They are found in the natural outdoors at typical levels of 3000 positive and 4000 negative ions per cubic centimeter. The existence of atmospheric electricity was demonstrated in the year 1700 and 200 years later it was proved that it depends upon the existence of gas molecules, now called "air ions", which carry a Negative or Positive charge. Indoors there are very few ions and the balance is mostly positive ions. The reason for this is that negative ions exist for a short length of time. They are destroyed by air pollution while hot electrical discharges such as sparking, electric motors, furnaces, etc., generate an excess of positive ions. Furthermore, the movement of air over metal ducts, as in air conditioning strips the air of any negative ions it may contain. Consequently negative ion generators, or ionizers, must produce a large volume of negative ions to restore the ion ratio. By adding negative ions to an environment, the airborne particles will take on this electronic charge and be attracted to oppositely charged particles which will become heavy enough to settle to the ground by gravity, or the charged particle will be attracted to grounded objects. This is called the Cohesion Effect. In either case the particles have been removed form the air and breathing space.

Almost all static discharges are high imbalances of positive energy. The addition of negative energy in the form of negative ions helps to balance the excess positive energy within the environment and reduces the static discharges.

An ionizer or ion generator is literally a device that can provide negative ions.

If you would like much more technical information on this subject cruise to Scientific research on environmental health issues.

Homeair Centre pricing in CANADIAN DOLLARS
These prices are subject to change without notice.
Clearveil
    Catalog No.    Model                                Price
    96070                 500                              $495.95
    96071                   12 collection sheets    $44.95
    96072                 250                              $358.95
    96073                   12 collection sheets    $44.95

More...

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Silent Air Clearveil 250 Fanless electronic air purifier, uses patented microprocessor-controlled ionization and collection technology for contaminate removal in TOTAL SILENCE! http://www.emrkt.com/comtrad/silentai.html.

Silent Air Clearveil 250Silent Air Clearveil 250$199.00$16.00 S&H*Credit Card Customers: Three Payments of$67.00$11.00 S&H*Replacement Sheets (12)$20.00$2.00 S&H* *additional S&H charges for International orders

Do you have a problem with the air in your home? Is it musty and stale? Do you sneeze the second you walk in the door? Are you bothered by tobacco smoke, dust, dander or odors? Trust me...you are not alone.

But, because you don't want a bulky, noisy air filter, you just live with the problem. A remarkable new product is now available that ends this compromise: Silent Air's compact design rids your home of airborne contaminants and operates in total silence. Silent Air, a fanless electronic air purifier, uses patented microprocessor-controlled ionization and collection technology for contaminate removal. This method has been proven superior to other air filters, including High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filters.

In the past, the HEPA filter was considered to be the most effective air purification method. But the technology behind Silent Air is significantly more advanced. Scientific studies have shown Silent Air to be more effective in capturing a higher percentage of even the smallest contaminants.

Because Silent Air is so unobtrusive you will want to run it all day long. And since it only uses about four watts of electricity, you can! One Silent Air unit, running 24 hours a day, will only cost about four dollars a year! Just one Silent Air unit will purify a 250-square-foot area. Additional units can be purchased to purify the air in larger homes or office buildings.

You'll feel healthier. Negative ions do more than just remove the harmful contaminants from the air that you breathe. They can actually improve your environment, making it healthier and more envigorating! Studies have shown these ions can help increase alertness and ease tension.

Alternative Therapy Cancer Clinics - GenesisWest, USA.: http://www.takechargeprogram.com/1040200.htm

If you are bothered by second hand smoke. . . . If you are suffering from allergies or sensitivities. . . . If you want to enjoy a cleaner, healthier environment. . . . The help you need is available at last! . . . The Clearveil 250 purifies rooms up to 250 square feet -- an ideal size for most bedrooms and offices. It's sleek size with integral stand (16" x 11" x 2") fits neatly on a shelf, desk, or on the floor. It feature a convenient indicator lamp that flashes when a collection sheet change is needed. 12 collection sheets, (a year's supply), are included. Construction is high-impact ABS plastic, with stainless steel and gold plated hardware. UL & CSA approved. Full 5 year parts & labor warranty.

Clearveil is unique among air purifiers & ionizers worldwide. It silently, yet effectively, purifies the air in a room or office by releasing negative ions. These ions attach themselves to pollutants in the air such as dust, pollen, bacteria and viruses. Once these contaminates become negatively charged, Clearveil's positively charged collection system finishes the job by attracting and trapping these minute particles onto a disposable sheet, permanently removing them from the air. The result is healthier air . . . clean and enriched with nature's own "air vitamins", negative ions.

Clearveil is used in nearly 100% of asthmatic children's residences, hospitals, preschools and nursing homes throughout Japan. Clearveil's .001 Micron SilentAir Purification removes harmful particles too small to be filtered out of the air - including smoke, smog, animal dander, mold fragments, and bacteria.

Clearveil's sleek design incorporates patented "Clean Room" technology that purifies more thoroughly than conventional air cleaners. Fan-type air cleaners filter many dust particles, yet keep millions of tiny particles too small to be captured stirred up in the air. But since Clearveil collects rather than filters, Clearveil captures unhealthy micro-bacteria, dusts and viruses considered unremovable by air filters.

Astronauts Experience the Dangers of Deionized Air: http://www.hyperstealth.com/ions.htm

Ions are charged particles in the air (between a few hundred to a few thousand per cubic centimeter); some negatively charged (Negative Ions) and some positively charged (Positive Ions). . . . an imbalance in the ratio of Positive to Negative Ions has a profound effect on both mental and physical well being.

If you breathe large amounts of positive ions without an equal amount of negative ions, you will become lethargic and in some cases sick (high positive ion concentrations in the air are associated with the full moon). Air containing more negative ions and less positive ions has been shown to be beneficial and without side effects. That is why negative ion generators are sold around the world. Russian studies show that almost all animals raised in deionized air died within a few weeks.

TREATMENT METHOD FOR DEPRESSIVE AND NEUROVEGETATIVE DISORDERS:

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cie/techlists/patents/5533527.htm United States Patent. Columbia University: U.S. Patent.

The results demonstrate an antidepressant effect of high-density negative air ions.

The results also indicate applicability to treatment of nonseasonal depressive syndromes as well as to seasonal syndromes that bear similarities to those characterized by depressive disorders, but without depressed mood per se (e.g., fatigue syndromes, weight control syndromes). Such syndromes are believed to involve underlying mechanisms common to those of depressive disorders with seasonal pattern (winter type).

Cleaning the Air with Negative ions and the Negative Ions Effect: http://www.ionair.com/

.THE DANGEROUS SMALL PARTICLE. . . . fine particles afloat in the air can shorten people's lives by years.

A Dense Field of Negative Ions influences us in two ways:
Negative Ions remove small dust particles from the air you and your children breathe.
Negative Ions may make you and your children feel more exhilarated, alert and invigorated.

Be sure to read the Results of a University of Pennsylvania study in which a bacterial population is challenged by an electrocorp Negative Ionizer! . . . The electric field caused by the positive static charge that appears on a CRT in normal operation; sweeps the nearby air of negative charges, thereby depleting the negative-ion concentration in the immediate vicinity. Apparently when the ion concentration is lowered by this or any other means -- air conditioning does it too -- workers complain of headaches, lethargy, dizziness and nausea.

Behavioural effects of Air Ions: http://www.nature-air.com/SCI5.htm FROM THE RESEARCH PAPERS OF BIONIC PRODUCTS PTY LTD. Much detail, including:

Ionising Winds

It is recognised, and generally accepted by many researchers* of "ion phenomena", that a certain type of wind present in several areas of the world, but known by different names, depending of the country, is associated with significant physiological and psychological effects upon human populations. Typically this wind is hot and dry, and brings with it, an invasion of positive ions. Listed below are several geographical locations showing the name by which the wind is known in that are:

LOCATION.................NAME OF WIND

Germany........................Foehn & Tramontana
Austria...........................Foehn
Israel.............................Sharav
Egypt............................Khamsin
Italy...............................Sirocco
Central France..............Autan
California......................Santa Ana
Argentina......................Zonda
Canada.........................Chinook
Malta............................Xlokk
Java..............................Koebang & Gending
Northern Sumatra..........Bohorok
Libya............................Sharkia
New Dehli.....................The Desert Wind
Australia........................The Desert Wind (K-3)

Negative Ion Generators: http://www.discountgarden.com/negiongenerator.html For indoor gardening!

VIDEO OPERATOR DISTRESS SYNDROME (VODS): http://www.electrocorp.nu/vods.html Beating a Case of the VODS: Negative Ions Maybe an Answer to the Video Blahs. A case of the blahs at work may really be a case of the VODS. VODS stands for "Video Operator Distress Syndrome", and the troublesome malady is not uncommon to the millions of workers who use computer video display terminals.

WebRx - Your Health Superstore: http://www.vitamins.com/encyclopedia/Diet/Ionized_Air.htm

Ionized air has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information): allergic bronchitis, allergic sinusitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic respiratory tract allergies.

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You can e-mail me at waynerp@sympatico.ca