It remains neutral as long as the proton-electron balance is maintained. Because of an equal number of protons and electrons, atoms have no charge. However, if an electron is lost or gained, the molecule becomes positively or negatively charged respectively and an ion is created. The natural production of ions may result from solar or cosmic radiation or the more mundane friction between air masses such as between rapidly moving hot, dry air and the ground. The parent particles become positive ions.
Negative ions are themselves the electrical energy carriers of the air.
Some examples of natures ion generators are solar and cosmic radiation, air friction, lightening, falling water, ocean surf and waves, evergreens and the earth's radioactivity. These effects have been studied by the outstanding scientist Dr. Albert Krueger, Professor Emeritus of The 'University of California at Berkeley. Dr. Krueger, startled the scientific world when he demonstrated that small air ions are biologically active and can stimulate the over-production of the powerful chemical serotonin. Serotonin is a very active neurohormone causing profound nerve, glandular and digestive effects throughout the body. Tests show positive ions increase the production of serotonin and negative ions decrease the hormone level.