Floating allergens (dust, mold, spores, animal dander) carry a positive charge. Negative ions bond to the positively charged particles, neutralizing them so they fall and can be vacuumed up instead of breathed in and causing allergic reactions. Negative ions also have been shown to help lift mood, alleviate depressions and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). There is even a patent by a preminent researcher and institution for the treatment of depression with negative ions.