Negative ion count

When you hear about a high negative ion count, it means there is a high concentration of molecules in the air that have gained an extra electron, giving them a net negative charge.

Despite the word "negative," a high concentration of these ions is generally considered a positive thing for indoor air quality and overall well-being. They are most commonly found in abundance near moving water (like waterfalls or ocean surf), mountains, and forests—and, relevant to your recent images, inside saunas when water is poured over hot rocks.

Here is a breakdown of what a high negative ion count actually means for an environment:

1. Natural Air Purification

Negative ions act like a natural magnet for airborne pollutants. Most microscopic particles floating in the air—such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and cigarette smoke—have a positive charge.

• When a high volume of negative ions is present, they attach themselves to these positive particles.

• This process causes the particles to clump together and become too heavy to remain airborne.

• As a result, they fall to the ground or stick to nearby surfaces, effectively clearing them from the air you breathe.

2. The "Waterfall Effect" (Lenard Effect)

If you have ever felt a sense of clarity or refreshment standing near a waterfall, crashing beach waves, or immediately after a thunderstorm, you have experienced a high negative ion count.

• The mechanical splashing of water forces electrons off water molecules and into the surrounding air.

• In a traditional sauna, creating steam (löyly) by throwing water onto hot rocks replicates this exact phenomenon, spiking the negative ion count inside the room.

3. Biological and Mood Impacts

While research is ongoing, several studies suggest that breathing in air with a high negative ion count can have subtle, beneficial effects on the human body:

• Serotonin Regulation: High levels of negative ions are believed to help normalize serotonin levels in the brain, which can improve mood, alleviate stress, and boost daytime energy.

• Increased Oxygen Flow: Some clinical evidence suggests that negative ions stimulate the tiny hairs (cilia) in our respiratory tract, enhancing our lungs' ability to absorb oxygen and filter out particles.

In short, a high negative ion count means the air is highly charged in a way that mimics pristine, natural environments, making it cleaner to breathe and more refreshing to be around.