Chapter 17

ODOR and IONS

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