Negatively-charged air conditions and responses of the human psycho-neuro-endocrino-immune network.
BACKGROUND
Against increasing environmental adverse effects on human health such as those associated with water and ground pollution, as well as out- and indoor air conditions, trials were conducted to support and promote human health by improving the indoor air atmosphere. This study was performed to estimate the effect of negatively-charged air conditions on human biological markers related to the psycho-neuro-endocrino-immune (PNEI) network.


OBJECTIVE
After construction of negatively-charged experimental rooms (NCRs), healthy volunteers were admitted to these rooms and control rooms (CTRs) and various biological responses were analyzed.


METHODS
NCRs were constructed using a fine charcoal coating and applying an electric voltage (72 V) between the backside of walls and the ground. Various biological markers were monitored that related to general conditions, autonomic nervous systems, stress markers, immunological parameters and blood flow.


RESULTS
Regarding the indoor environment, only negatively-charged air resulted in the difference between the CTR and NCR groups. The well-controlled experimental model-room to examine the biological effects of negatively-charged air was therefore established. Among the various parameters, IL-2, IL-4, the mean RR interval of the heart rate, and blood viscosity differed significantly between the CTR and NCR groups. In addition, the following formula was used to detect NCR-biological responses: Biological Response Value (BRV)=0.498+0.0005 [salivary cortisol]+0.072 [IL-2]+0.003 [HRM-SD]-0.013 [blood viscosity]-0.009 [blood sugar]+0.017 [pulse rate].


CONCLUSIONS
Negatively-charged air conditions activated the immune system slightly, smoothened blood flow and stabilized the autonomic nervous system. Although this is the first report to analyze negatively-charged air conditions on human biological responses, the long-term effects should be analyzed for the general use of these artificial atmospheres.
Takahashi
Kazuaki
K
Comprehensive Housing R&D Institute, SEKISUI HOUSE, Ltd., 6-6-4 Kabutodai, Kizu 6190223, Japan.
Otsuki
Takemi
T
Mase
Akinori
A
Kawado
Takashi
T
Kotani
Muneo
M
Ami
Kazuhisa
K
Matsushima
Hiroki
H
Nishimura
Yasumitsu
Y
Miura
Yoshie
Y
Murakami
Shuko
S
Maeda
Megumi
M
Hayashi
Hiroaki
H
Kumagai
Naoko
N
Shirahama
Takashi
T
Yoshimatsu
Michiharu
M
Morimoto
Kanehisa
K
D000328:Adult; D000388:Air; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor; D004560:Electricity; D004780:Environment, Controlled; D005260:Female; D018056:Hemorheology; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000276:immunology*; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000502:physiology; D011598:Psychoneuroimmunology; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology