Odors are caused by minute solids floating in the air. Each particle has a positive electrical charge because it is missing an electron. This enables it to drift as it is drawn in one direction and then another by electrical charges.
There are several ways growers eliminate these particles. Air filters use filter pads and activated charcoal to cleanse the air. More sophisticated units also use electrostatic precipitators to remove minute particles. These units have a negatively charged lining which attracts any positively charged particles passing through.
The easiest and most effective method gardeners use to eliminate odors is using a negative ion generator. These units are sometimes called ion fountains or air ionizers. Negative ion generators charge air molecules with extra electrons, giving them a negative charge. When negatively charged air ions comes in contact with a positively charged dust particle, the air molecule gives up its electron. The positively charged particle is neutralized and no longer floats since it is not as influenced by electrical charges. The particle drops from the air (precipitates) and falls onto the wall or floor. It no longer creates an odor.
Negative ion generators are inexpensive and cost very little to operate. They solve the most daunting odor problems. In addition, ionizers precipitate dust.
A number of studies have shown that the electrical charge of the air influences behavior in animals and growth in plants. Negatively charged air seems to be conducive to less irritable behavior in animals and faster growth in plants.
