Key to the healthy home movement is ensuring clean air in every room. This noble pursuit seems especially relevant during a pandemic caused by an airborne pathogen. Now a new technology, based on natural processes, promises to transform the average residence into a healthy home by scrubbing allergens, odors and pathogens, from the air via the ubiquitous forced air system.

Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization or Cold Plasma, as the break through technology is called, creates an ionized plasma field inside the air handler. This plasma field is composed of both positive and negative (bilopar) ions . Dirty air flowing through the system is scrubbed by this plasma field  in the following ways:

Particle Reduction
Dust, pet dander and pollen are removed from the air through agglomeration. The ions attach to the airborne particles and binds multiple particles together, increasing their mass. Air filtration systems easily capture these larger particles.

Odor Neutralization
Odors are created by compounds in the air like, off gasses (formaldehyde), pet excretions (ammonia) and cooking byproducts. Ionizers break down these compounds into harmless gasses like oxygen, nitrogen and water vapor.

Kills Pathogens
While these units haven’t been specifically tested for killing Covid-19 yet. They have been shown to kill other viruses, bacteria and mold. The ions remove hydrogen from the pathogen’s cells, leaving them to die.

Is it Safe?
Ever wonder why the air near a waterfall or at the beach smells so fresh? These natural processes create intense ionization of the surrounding air. The new ionization technology doesn’t charge the air as much as these natural causes. So it’s thought to be safe.

Don’t confuse the new bipolar ionization technology with table top ionic air purifiers from Sharper Image or SkyMall. These small units don’t use fans and really can’t clean much air beyond a couple of feet. They only use a negative charge and usually emit harmful ozone.

Be careful, some bipolar ionizers also create ozone. But Global Plasma Solutions (GPS) units are certified ozone free. They’re probably the best manufacturer of bipolar ionization machines, even making a unit for residential force air systems.

Image Credits
Plasma Field by Global Plasma Solutions

Special Thanks to Erik Dietz, a prominent mechanical engineer and friend who introduced me to this new technology.