Debunking the Claim of Negative Ions Improving Mood

In summary: I don't think they're out there anymore. In summary, my mother recently bought a negative ion producing machine, claiming that negative ions have the ability to make her feel happier. There is no way i can scientifically debunk this claim. Links would be good.
  • #1
maximus
495
4
my mother recently bought a negative ion producing machine, claiming that negative ions have the ability to make her feel happier. is there any way i can scientifically debunk this claim? links would be good.
 
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  • #2
Ask her to sit closer to the TV. The electron gun in the TV provides far more "happy" negative charged particles and at a much lower cost than any specialist machine. (Hmm... maybe that's why TV = happiness?)

Ok, seriously, don't do the above. The radiation from the TV may in fact be bad for the health. As for the ioniser, I don't think there is much evidence. The best I can think of it is that charged dust particles in the air may clump and settle down more, making the air somewhat cleaner. Still sounds like waste of money to me.

Hey, most of the happiness comes from the placebo effect. Because she thinks she will feel happy, she does feel happy. Perhaps in this case it is not really necessary to break this by debunking it, and you can't exactly take it back, can you? Up to you though.
 
  • #3
Originally posted by FZ+
Perhaps in this case it is not really necessary to break this by debunking it, and you can't exactly take it back, can you? Up to you though.

actually she encourages me to. (and there's a 60 day return limit, so she's safe there)
 
  • #4
Uhm, I know (or think I know) what your talking about. I've always seen them advertised as low power consuming air filter device things. The purpose of it is to do as FZ said, but some actually use hepa filter looking things to catch the dust and pollen and such.

I imagine that if you lived in a dusty or high pollen count enviroment, such a device could provide some happiness, so long as it truly cleans the air.

But I don't think the negative ions have anything to do with triggering happines. If this were the case, it seems the whole world would be incredibly happy. If nothing else, I would point out to her that negative ions are all over the place, tv, probably natural occurances or big power stations, and that the world, for the most part, is miserable.
 
  • #5
actually, most of what iv read has said that the negative ion producing machine things don't do jack ****. It apparently was a huge fad in japan. It might clean the air out a bit, but it won't do anything other than that. WASTE OF MONEY!

BTW tell your mom to stop watching late-night/early-morning infomercials :).
 
  • #6
Originally posted by FZ+
The radiation from the TV may in fact be bad for the health.

If this was true, there would be a whole fad about 'ion friendly' tvs.
 
  • #7
Having a house where the air is cleaned of dust and pollen would certainly make me happier - especially now hayfever season is kicking in. :)
 
  • #8
Originally posted by plus
If this was true, there would be a whole fad about 'ion friendly' tvs.
I think they did have them once, with layers of shielding around tvs, back projector screens etc etc...
 

1. What are negative ions and how do they affect mood?

Negative ions are molecules that have gained an extra electron, giving them a negative charge. They are naturally found in the environment, such as in waterfalls, oceans, and forests. Proponents of negative ion therapy claim that these ions can improve mood by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim.

2. Is there any scientific evidence to support the claim that negative ions can improve mood?

While some studies have shown a potential correlation between negative ions and improved mood, the evidence is not strong enough to support a causal relationship. Many of these studies have small sample sizes and lack proper control groups. Additionally, there are conflicting results among studies, making it difficult to draw a definitive conclusion.

3. What are some alternative explanations for the reported effects of negative ions on mood?

There are several alternative explanations for the perceived effects of negative ions on mood. One possibility is the placebo effect, where a person's belief in the treatment can result in a perceived improvement in their symptoms. Another explanation could be the calming and relaxing effects of natural environments where negative ions are found, rather than the ions themselves.

4. Can negative ion generators or air purifiers effectively increase the number of negative ions in the environment?

Negative ion generators and air purifiers are often marketed as devices that can increase the number of negative ions in the air. However, there is little evidence to support this claim. In fact, some studies have shown that these devices can produce harmful ozone levels, which can have negative effects on health.

5. Should negative ion therapy be used as a treatment for mood disorders?

Based on the current scientific evidence, negative ion therapy should not be relied upon as a primary treatment for mood disorders. It may be beneficial as a complementary therapy, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness and potential risks. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any alternative treatments for mood disorders.

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