Research - Indoor Air Quality

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Negative Ionisation

What is it?
A negative air ion is an atom or molecule in the air that has gained an electron, while a positive ion has lost an electron. Both positive and negative ions occur naturally in the air. However, negative ions are more concentrated in clean, fresh air. Negative air ions can be produced by lightning, ocean surf, plants and waterfalls; and are more concentrated in places where we feel 'rejuvenated', like mountain-tops, and beside surf beaches. Air ionisers produce negative air ions and re-oxygenate the air, assisting in reducing the symptoms of asthma, allergies, chemical sensitivities and seasonal winter depression , among other disorders. They have been shown to improve immune system function, regenerate cell growth, detoxify the body and improve overall health .

How do they work?
Negative ion emission reduces the concentration of airborne particles and re-oxygenates the air. Airborne pathogens and contaminated airborne droplets become charged through contact with the ions and then precipitate onto nearby surfaces, and into the filtration system: no longer to be inhaled. Aside from the sanitising effect of the ionisers, are the health benefits of improving indoor ionic balance. These two factors together are the reason every household in Australia should have a negative ioniser.

The average human consumes 10,000 litres of air per day – but generally we exercise very little control over the quality of the air we consume. Our homes, vehicles and workplaces are constantly affected by a variety of harmful airborne pollutants, placing our selves, employees, families, pets and children at risk. So how can we take back control of the quality of our indoor air?

Negative ions are considered nature's natural air cleaners. They aid in the destruction of airborne bacteria by oxidative action and they help to clear dust, pollen, smoke & small particles from the atmosphere. In the body, negative ions increase our capacity to take up oxygen and enhance the ability of the respiratory tract to deal with airborne particles - allergens, dust, smoke etc. Hospital burns units are using negative ion generators more & more, in close proximity to the burnt area and report a widespread increase in the speed and quality of healing. Plants and animals also grow better in an environment charged with negative ions. In fact plants are one of the most prolific sources of negative ions. They conduct the negative electrical charge of the earth up into the air and "eject" it from the tips of their leaves.

If you have ever noticed how fresh the air becomes after a rainfall, you’ve experienced ionisation in its grandest form. Rain produces trillions upon trillions of negative ions, making it nature’s most effective air cleaner.

What does HEPA stand for?
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Arrester, and indicates that the filter is capable of capturing particles down to sub micron levels. We use only the best Australian materials to make our own filters for a whole range of Air Purifiers. Click on our Filters and Parts page to find out more.

Some dangerous chemicals & their common sources:

LEAD - Fine particles of toxic metal are released into the air from standard petrol, and affect the body’s central nervous system. Children are three times more at risk than adults.
BENZENE - A known carcinogen. Totally invisible & odourless. Emitted from catalytic converters and part of unleaded petrol.
OXIDES IN NITROGEN - Are converted to nitrogen dioxide during fuel combustion in motor vehicles and power plants. Affects the respiratory system.
CARBON MONOXIDE - A colourless & odourless gas, emitted from petrol fuelled vehicles, mostly motor bikes & lawn mowers. Reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen.
DUST & CARBON PARTICLES - Coated with toxic gases from factory emissions and vehicle exhaust. They coat the lungs, causing & exacerbating respiratory infections especially asthma.
SULPHUR DIOXIDE - A colourless gas from diesel exhaust and factory emissions. Aggravates respiratory tract infections.
DUST, DUST MITES, DUST MITE DEBRIS, POLLENS, SMOKE, AIRBORNE VIRUSES, PET HAIR & DANDER all contribute to asthma, hay fever, sinusitis & other respiratory problems.
OFF-GASSING FROM NEW PLASTICS, CARPETS, PAINTS, FURNITURE and FUMES FROM PAINT, CHEMICALS, PESTICIDES & CLEANING PRODUCTS all contribute to chemical sensitivities & ear, nose & throat infections

So what this information tells us is that negative ions are an essential component of healthy, clean air. One proven way to regain control over levels of indoor pollutants, is to install a negative ioniser in our cars, homes, offices and workplaces – anywhere we spend a lot of time indoors. In this way we can re-establish our indoor environments as clean and healthy places, through maintaining ionic balance, and at the same time cleansing the air of any harmful particles. Negative ionisers are becoming more and more essential in establishing healthier indoor environments.

Independent Studies

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Air Supply, Mini-Mate & Auto-Mate Air Purifiers

Answers to commonly asked questions about corona discharge devices.

Q. Are these products ionisers?
A. No. They are corona discharge air purifiers. An ioniser uses electrostatic precipitation to negatively charge particles. These products are not ionisers or ozone machines, but a new class of air decontamination devices known by plasma scientists as ‘non’ thermal ionic corona discharge plasma purifiers. Although a corona discharge device has an ionisation effect internally, it uses electronic plasma incineration, similar to a lightening strike, to destroy airborne contaminants.

Q. Are they ozone generators?
A. No. Although one of the by-products of corona discharge is a small output of ozone, along with negative ions and ultra violet light, ozone generators do not have proven health benefits.

Q. Is the level of ozone output safe?
A. Yes. OSHA guidelines define permissible ozone exposure limits at 0.1 parts per million parts of air. These products emit less than 0.04 parts of ozone per million.

Q. How do these products differ from HEPA filters?
A. HEPA filtration devices capture particles (down to 0.3 microns in size), and the filters require replacing when they become saturated with particulate. Corona discharge devices are cold incineration devices, which actually destroy airborne contaminants. Different contaminants are neutralised and destroyed in different manners, depending on their chemical properties. Corona discharge devices are not filtration devices, and no parts need to be replaced or serviced.

Q. How should these products be cleaned?
A. Once a week, blow into the screen to eliminate any carbonised accumulation on the emitter. Also wipe the grill screen clean. There are no user-serviceable parts inside these products.

Q. Will fluids damage these devices?
A. Yes. You should avoid allowing fluids to enter the grill screen. However, damp or moist environments will not cause any damage.

Q. How are different airborne contaminants processed by these products?
A. Virus & Bacterial Germs Incinerated by the corona discharge
Odour Oxidised into deodorised compounds
Chemicals Oxidised into benign chemicals
Dust & Dust Mites Carbonised and vaporised by incineration
Moulds Carbonised and vaporised by incineration
Smoke Solids are carbonised and gases are oxidised

Q. What type of product testing has been done?
A. The ability of the ionic discharge plasma to destroy biochemical agents has been proven at leading Universities & Research Institutes. Wein Products has been the first to introduce this technology as wearable, recirculating, ionic air purifiers that is lightweight and effective. Product testing of the Air Supply is ongoing at UCLA School of Microbiology in the US, against bacteria and has received an astonishing 90% reduction in germ colony growth. A further study was recently undertaken by the British governments CBDE (Chemical & Biological Defence Establishment) at Porten Downs, UK, on advanced military and law enforcement versions. Check out www.weinproducts.com for further background research on these products.