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Influence of artificial air ionisation on the human electroencephalogram

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Abstract

Exposure of 20 subjects to negative ionisation was monitored by EEG. Negative ionisation was supplied by an Ionotron apparatus (Amcor-Amron, Herzlia-Israel) with an output of 3.5 × 105 ions/(cm3 · sec) at 1 m distance. Objective findings in ten normal subjects showed reduction of the frequency of the alpha-waves from 10 or 11 down to 9 or 8 Hz, increase of the amplitude by up to 20%, advance of the alpha rhythm pattern from the occipital to the frontal area and general synchronisation of the EEG records of both hemispheres. These reactions were suppressed in 10 subjects by tranquillisers. Subjective findings included relaxation, alertness, improved working capacity and relief from the Serotonin Irritation Syndrome produced by the positive ionisation of hot, dry desert winds.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Talbieh Psychiatric Hospital, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School and School of Pharmacy, Jerusalem, Israel

    M. Assael

  2. Department of Applied Pharmacology, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School and School of Pharmacy, Jerusalem, Israel

    Y. Pfeifer & F. G. Sulman

Authors
  1. M. Assael
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  2. Y. Pfeifer
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  3. F. G. Sulman
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Additional information

This paper is devoted to the memory of Dr Igho H.Kornblueh, the pioneer of ion therapy, who passed away in 1973 in Philadelphia. Working on this project in 1957 he concluded "that further research on the effects of ionisation on the EEG is warranted".

This report was prepared with the technical assistance of Mrs Suzi Alpern and B.Shalita.

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Assael, M., Pfeifer, Y. & Sulman, F.G. Influence of artificial air ionisation on the human electroencephalogram. Int J Biometeorol 18, 306–312 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01463720

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01463720

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