PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF NEGATIVE AIR IONS IN A WET SAUNA

The physical effects of negative air ions on humans were determined in an experimental sauna room equipped with an ionizer. Thirteen healthy persons took a wet sauna bath (dry bulb temperature 42 degrees C, rel ative humidity 100%, 10 min exposure) with or without negative air ion s. The subjects were not told when they were being exposed to negative air ions. There were no differences in the moods of these persons or changes in their blood pressures between the two saunas. The surface t emperatures of the foreheads, hands, and legs in the sauna with negati ve ions were significantly higher than those in the sauna without ions . The pulse rates and sweat produced in the sauna with ions were signi ficantly higher than those in the sauna without ions. The results sugg est that negative ions may amplify the effects on humans of the sauna.