What is Ionization?

Ions are defined as atoms or molecules that have lost or gained electrons. (Electrons are the only easily available
charge carriers). When an atom or molecule has an equal number of electrons and protons, it is electrically balanced,
or neutral. If an electron has lost the atom or molecule becomes positively charged whereas gaining an electron
imparts a negative charge. When the charge of an atom or molecule is manipulated, either naturally or artificially,
the process is called ionization.
The Aviation Clean Air Bi-Polar Ion Generator creates what is known as a cold plasma discharge, which is a highly
ionized field. As water vapor passes through the plasma field, water molecules are separated into HH+ and O- ions.
These ions have the property of clustering around micro-particles and gases, also surrounding harmful substances
such as airborne molds, viruses, and bacteria. The ions combine on the cell wall of the pathogen to form OH
radicals. These OH radicals rob the harmful pathogen of a hydrogen atom thereby inactivating them. The cell will
not be able to reproduce and will soon die.
Mechanism of Plasma for Inactivating Airborne Fungi

The positive (H+) and negative (O2-) ions

cluster together on the surface of airborne
fungi, causing a chemical reaction that results
in the creation of highly reactive OH Groups
called hydroxyl radicals (ŸOH). The hydroxyl
radical will take a hydrogen molecule from the
cell wall of an airborne fungi particle. This
process inhibits mold infestation as well as
controls musty odors (caused in large party by
mold fungi) as they occur.

Mechanism of Plasma for Inactivating Airborne Virus

The positive (H+) and negative (O2-) ions surround the

hemagglutinin (surface proteins that form on
organisms and trigger infections) and change
into highly reactive OH groups called hydroxyl
radicals (ŸOH). These groups take the
hydrogen molecule from the hemagglutinin and
change it into water (H2O). The ions destroy
the virus surface structure, as a result the virus
cannot infect even if it enters the body.

Mechanism of Plasma for Deactivating Airborne Allergens

The positive (H+) and negative (O2-)

ions surround the airborne allergen and
change into highly reactive hydroxyl
radicals (ŸOH). The hydroxyls then
deactivate the molecules of the IgE
antibody-binding site of the allergen. No
allergic symptoms occur even if
allergens enter the body.

Cold Plasma Generator technology has

many benefits. The ions it creates can
kill many airborne pathogens, not just at
the source of the plasma, but also in the air you breathe as it is being supplied. Ultraviolet light cannot kill
pathogens outside of the blue light produced by the UV light tube, so its ability to kill pathogens is dependent on the
ventilation systems ability to get the pathogen back into the air handler. The Cold Plasma Generator sends the ions
out into the whole airspace where they are most effective.
Control of Gases and Odors with Plasma

While the Ion Generator is very effective at pathogen killing, it is also very effective at controlling gases, odors and
volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). In the same way the ions surround pathogens and deactivate them, the plasma
also surrounds gas molecules. As the gas molecules interact with the ions the covalent bonds of the gas are broken
down. Theses gases are reduced to trace harmless gas elements that are part of the natural composition of the air we
breathe. For example, ammonia or NH3, which is quite pungent, is broken down into Nitrogen and Hydrogen. The
air we breathe everyday is 78% Nitrogen and Hydrogen is one of the common trace elements also found in normal
healthy air.