Having a ‘Bad Air’ Day? by Pat Rullo
It’s been quite windy in my part of the world lately. And not just for an hour or two, but non-stop for ten to twelve hours. The March winds did not disappoint. I noticed that I felt a bit off during these windy spells. So that caused me to ask – do windy days generate more than dust and debris? Can the wind cause noticeable changes in health?
Most of us don’t pay much attention to the air we breathe; we believe it’s always clean and safe, but we don’t realize the air is full of positive and negative ions that can affect our health in numerous ways.
What are Positive Ions?
Positive ions are atoms that have lost one or more electrons due to various factors such as wind, radiation, and heat. These ions are also generated by electronic devices we use daily, such as TVs, computers, and mobile phones. In addition, they are positively charged particles that interact with negatively charged particles in the air, which alters the electrical balance of the surrounding air. Finally, positive ions can also be found in high-altitude regions generated by cosmic rays.
Strong winds can create positive ions through a process called “aerosol charging.” As wind moves over surfaces, it can cause tiny particles such as dust, pollen, and pollution to become charged. These charged particles then generate positive ions in the air.
Interestingly, positive ions are also thought to be responsible for the “electric air” smell that often accompanies storms. As lightning strikes, it generates large amounts of positive ions in the air, creating that distinct smell many associate with thunderstorms.
On the other hand, negative ions have been shown to affect our health positively. They are generated by moving water, such as waterfalls, waves, and rainfalls, and can have a calming effect on our bodies. In addition, negative ions have been found to reduce stress levels, improve mood, and boost our immune systems by neutralizing the harmful effects of positive ions.
How Do Positive Ions Affect Health?
Positive ions significantly impact our health, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or respiratory problems. People exposed to high levels of positive ions may suffer from symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Positive ions can also cause respiratory problems by irritating the bronchial tubes and increasing mucus production.
Positive ions can also weaken the immune system by increasing free radicals in the body, leading to cell damage, aging, and inflammation. This effect can cause allergies, asthma, and other inflammatory conditions.
How to Protect Yourself from Positive Ions?
You must increase your exposure to negative ions to protect yourself from positive ions. Here are a few ways to do that:
1. Spend time outdoors: Nature is the best source of negative ions, so spend more time in environments such as near waterfalls or forests. (probably not a good idea during a windstorm)
2. Use air purifiers: Air purifiers are excellent devices that generate negative ions that neutralize the harmful effects of positive ions.
3. Avoid electronic devices: Limit exposure to them and power them off while sleeping or when not in use.
4. Take a cold shower: Cold showers can help generate negative ions in the body, providing a refreshing and healing effect to the body.
Now I understand why I had daily headaches and felt exhausted for no reason. I was having some ‘bad ‘air days. So the next time you feel off, check the wind speed and jump into a nice icy cold shower!
PR
