Effect of positive ionisation of inspired air on the response of asthmatic children to exercise

A clinical case-based hypothesis: secretory IgA operates as an electronic transistor controlling the selection or rejection of molecules in the absorption process in the lumen of gastrointestinal tract

There is a clinical correlation between (1) an allergic patient's ability to resist the development of symptoms that would have resulted from an allergenic challenge, (2) the magnitude of geomagnetism at a geographic site, and (3) the amount of solar energy falling on that site. It is suggested that the digestive membrane has an electronic gatekeeper that "decides" electronically which molecules to allow or not allow to pass on to the absorptive surface. The unique bipolar structure of secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA), having a central secretory piece and the resultant unique electronic function of this polarized molecule, allows it to function as an electronic transistor, producing an electronic gatekeeper in the form of an electronic sieve.

Air ions and respiratory function outcomes: a comprehensive review

Background

From a mechanistic or physical perspective there is no basis to suspect that electric charges on clusters of air molecules (air ions) would have beneficial or deleterious effects on respiratory function. Yet, there is a large lay and scientific literature spanning 80 years that asserts exposure to air ions affects the respiratory system and has other biological effects.

Aims

This review evaluates the scientific evidence in published human experimental studies regarding the effects of exposure to air ions on respiratory performance and symptoms.

Methods

We identified 23 studies (published 1933–1993) that met our inclusion criteria. Relevant data pertaining to study population characteristics, study design, experimental methods, statistical techniques, and study results were assessed. Where relevant, random effects meta-analysis models were utilized to quantify similar exposure and outcome groupings.

Results

The included studies examined the therapeutic benefits of exposure to negative air ions on respiratory outcomes, such as ventilatory function and asthmatic symptoms. Study specific sample sizes ranged between 7 and 23, and studies varied considerably by subject characteristics (e.g., infants with asthma, adults with emphysema), experimental method, outcomes measured (e.g., subjective symptoms, sensitivity, clinical pulmonary function), analytical design, and statistical reporting.

Conclusions

Despite numerous experimental and analytical differences across studies, the literature does not clearly support a beneficial role in exposure to negative air ions and respiratory function or asthmatic symptom alleviation. Further, collectively, the human experimental studies do not indicate a significant detrimental effect of exposure to positive air ions on respiratory measures. Exposure to negative or positive air ions does not appear to play an appreciable role in respiratory function.

Ionisers for chronic asthma

BACKGROUND

Previous reports have shown that ion content in the air may have an effect on respiratory function. Results from studies which test the efficacy of air ionisers to reduce asthma symptoms are often inconclusive and their use as a treatment for asthma remains debatable.

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a systematic review of the available evidence to determine the effectiveness of positive and negative ion generators in people with asthma.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) as well as the alternative medicine database AMED. Searches were current as of June 2012.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (parallel or crossover design studies) comparing ionisers with dummy ionisers (being negative or positive ion emitters), in children or adults with chronic asthma.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently assessed titles and abstracts of studies and assessed trial quality. Study quality was determined using two methods:The Cochrane approach to allocation concealment and the five point Jadad scale.

MAIN RESULTS

Six studies were selected for inclusion (106 participants). No results were combined as the studies were all of a crossover design.EFFECTS OF NEGATIVE ION GENERATORS (five studies) No study reported a significant difference in lung function between ionised and control air (morning Peak expiratory flow (PEF) - three studies; forced expiratory flow in one second (FEV1) - one study). There were no significant differences in symptoms or beta-2 agonist usage between ionised and control air in three studies.EFFECTS OF POSITIVE ION GENERATORS (one study) This study demonstrated that although positively ionised air was associated with a larger fall in FEV1 with exercise, this did not reach statistical significance. Baseline FEV1 was not demonstrated to be significantly different between treatment groups.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on the evidence currently available from randomised controlled trials, a recommendation cannot be given for the use of room air ionisers to reduce symptoms in patients with chronic asthma.

Ionisers for chronic asthma

BACKGROUND

Previous reports have shown that ion content in the air may have an effect on respiratory function. Results from studies which test the efficacy of air ionisers to reduce asthma symptoms are often inconclusive and their use as a treatment for asthma remains debatable.

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a systematic review of the available evidence to determine the effectiveness of positive and negative ion generators in people with asthma.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Asthma trials register (January 1966 to March 2003), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Library issue 2, 2003) as well as The Alternative Medicine Database AMED (1985 to March 2003).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (parallel or crossover design studies) comparing ionisers with dummy ionisers (being negative or positive ion emitters), in children or adults with chronic asthma.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently assessed titles and abstracts of studies and assessed trial quality. Study quality was determined using two methods:The Cochrane approach to allocation concealment and the five point Jadad scale.

MAIN RESULTS

Six studies were selected for inclusion (106 participants). No results were combined as the studies were all of a crossover design. EFFECTS OF NEGATIVE ION GENERATORS (five studies)No study reported a significant difference in lung function between ionised and control air (morning Peak expiratory flow (PEF) - three studies; forced expiratory flow in one second (FEV1) - one study). There were no significant differences in symptoms or beta-2 agonist usage between ionised and control air in three studies. EFFECTS OF POSITIVE ION GENERATORS (one study)This study demonstrated that although positively ionised air was associated with a larger fall in FEV1 with exercise, this did not reach statistical significance. Baseline FEV1 was not demonstrated to be significantly different between treatment groups.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

Based on the evidence currently available from randomised controlled trials, a recommendation cannot be given for the use of room air ionisers to reduce symptoms in patients with chronic asthma.

Geophysical variables and behavior: XXXVIII. Effects of ionized air on the performance of a vigilance task

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.