Subject: are there harmful Ions in the atmosphere

Dear Mad Science,
Today a friend of mine bought a sodium ion light designed to purify the air he 
breathes of bad ions.  The principle behind the lamp is this:  that the 
lightbulb would radiate light through the block of salt, and that would 
radiate negative ions that would react with the harmful positive ions in the 
environment and make the air in his home better to breathe.  Now I realize 
that you dont comment on comercial products, so my question is this... are 
their harmful ions in the atmosphere, say, at sea level, and would there be an 
advantage in neutralizing them?  I realize this is a very vague question, 
since we arent referring to any specific ions.  I am thinking my friend bought 
himself some snake oil! 

Cameron Williams
Computer Technician
Thames Valley District School Board
London Ontario
Canada



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Re: are there harmful Ions in the atmosphere