Krueger and Smith exposed tracheal tissue to negative ions, found that the ciliary beat was speeded up to 1200 a minute and that mucus flow was increased. In experiments that may prove important in cancer research, Drs. Positive ions, administered along with the cigarette smoke lowered the ciliary beat as before, but from three to ten times faster than in normal air. Negative ions, however, counteracted the effects of the smoke. Whatever it may be, its action is effectively neutralized by negative ions, which raise the ciliary beat as well as in a heavy atmosphere of cigarette smoke as they do in fresh air.
Most authorities agree that ions act on our capacity to absorb and utilize oxygen.
Negative ions in the blood stream accelerate the delivery of oxygen to our cells and tissues, frequently give us the same euphoric jolt that we get from a few whiffs of straight oxygen. Positive ions slow down the delivery of oxygen , producing symptoms markedly like those in anoxia, or oxygen starvation. Researchers also believe that negative ions may stimulate the reticulo-endothelial system, a group of defense cells in our bodies which marshal our resistance to disease. Dr. Krueger predicts that we shall some day regulate the ion level indoors much as we now regulate temperature and humidity. Air-conditioner manufacturers are designing new systems that increase negative ionization.