The balance of
positive and negative ions in the air you breathe is
affected by influences in the environment, in much the
same way you are.
Ions
are natural particles in the air that have either a
positive or negative charge.
They get this charge by either losing or gaining an
electron. Negative ions are the good
guys - they are simply oxygen atoms that have gained an
electron (a teeny-weeny charge of energy, for those who
slept through eighth grade science). They attach
themselves to airborne particles such as dust, pollen,
smoke, and dander, and cause them to drop from the air.
Nature
provides both positive and negative ions in abundance,
but when it comes to feeling good, it's the negative
ions that are important.
The
best generator for negative ions is lightning, followed
by ocean surf and waterfalls. Negative ions are also
abundant in mountains and forests, since all plants give
off some ions. In clean, natural air, you'll find very
high concentrations of negative ions. If you suspect
that the air you're breathing now in your air
conditioned or heated office or home isn't so good,
you're right.