Geophysical Variables and Behavior: V. Human Performance in Ionized Air

Background: Air ions (AIs) are clusters of ionized particles present in the atmosphere and carrying an electrical charge of negative or positive polarity. Past speculations suggested that exposure to positive air ions may be harmful, while exposure to negative air ions (NAIs) may be associated with beneficial health effects. Increasing attention has been directed towards investigating the potential effect of NAIs on human brain activities since initial observations of their beneficial effects on some cognitive processes and mood. Aims: Given the paucity and scattered literature, the aim of our paper is at reviewing available studies on potential positive effects of NAIs exposure on cognitive performances and depression. Discussion: The review of the literature seems to confirm effects of NAIs on several brain functions. Indeed, a significant association between NAIs exposure and both wellbeing and high cognitive performances has been described. However, the exposure to high concentrations of NAIs could be related to improvement of depressive symptoms. Conclusion: A growing evidence of data, although not yet conclusive, would suggest that NAIs might improve cognitive processes. These findings require specific and urgent controlled trials adopting systems based on AIs release to possible prevent and treat cognitive dysfunctions present in a broad range of neuropsychiatric conditions.

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Geophysical Variables and Behavior: XXXVIII. Effects of Ionized Air on the Performance of a Vigilance Task

Brown

Kirk

1987

Percept Mot Skills

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The effects of positively or negatively ionized air on the performance of a visual vigilance task were investigated. The ion level was 100,000 ions/cm3, +/- 10,000. Also investigated were the effects of task-induced stress and nonstress. 40 male college students were required to press a hand-held switch as soon as they detected a signal on a simulated cathode-ray display. Each subject monitored the display continuously for 3 hr. in a room specially equipped for ion exposure and for control of light and noise. All subjects received continuous identical false feedback about their performance. Half of the subjects (the stress group) were told that they would receive an electric shock when their performance fell below an acceptable level. The false feedback was programmed so subjects in this group believed that they were in danger of receiving a shock, but none were actually administered. Analysis indicated that the percentage of signals detected was higher in the presence of negatively ionized air than in the presence of positively ionized air. Also performance-contingent stress resulted in better performance than nonstress.

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Geophysical Variables and Behavior: V. Human Performance in Ionized Air

Cited by 3 publications

References 13 publications

Ionization

Ionization

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Geophysical Variables and Behavior: XXXVIII. Effects of Ionized Air on the Performance of a Vigilance Task

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