Highlights
- Scientists studied how gentle infrared light combined with humid air can change the way water behaves.
- Using the NanoVi Exo device, they found that this process made water more stable and better organized at a molecular level.
- The treated water showed better balance and resistance to acidity, which wasn’t seen when the air wasn’t exposed to infrared light.
- Researchers believe this special humid air may help water become more “structured,” opening possibilities for new wellness and environmental applications.
Introduction
Recent research has focused on how non-chemical technologies can influence the fundamental properties of water. A study by Yablonskaya et al. (2021), published in Water, examined the effects of infrared-irradiated humid air on the physicochemical characteristics of aqueous solutions. The aim was to determine whether this treatment induces traits similar to those of exclusion zone (EZ) water, which is known for its structured molecular behavior.
The Intervention
The study used the NanoVi Exo device (Eng3 Corporation, Seattle, WA, USA), which produces humid air from pure distilled water. The process included:
- Humidifying ambient air with 1–10 μm water particles;
- Irradiating this humid air with infrared light (different wavelenght between 1100 nm – 4000 nm);
- Exposing bulk water samples to the irradiated humid air.
The system consisted of a humidifier, an excitation unit with infrared LEDs, and a control unit. The humidified air (70–85% humidity) passed through a quartz tube surrounded by infrared-emitting LEDs. For control conditions, the same humidified air was used without infrared exposure.
Results
After treatment with infrared-irradiated humid air:
- Redox potential and surface tension decreased in deionized and mineral water samples;
- Dielectric constant increased in these samples;
- Carbonate and phosphate buffers showed improved resistance to acidification and leaching.
These effects were not observed in samples treated with non-irradiated humid air, indicating the critical role of infrared radiation in triggering these changes.
Authors’ Conclusions
The authors suggest that infrared-irradiated humid air acts as a physical signal carrier — coherent domains (CDs) — capable of modifying water’s internal structure and behavior. The observed changes — including those in surface tension, dielectric constant, and buffering capacity — are consistent with features of exclusion zone (EZ) water and dissipative structures in aqueous media. These findings support further research into potential biological and environmental applications of this technology.
Reference: Yablonskaya O, Voeikov V, Buravleva E, Trofimov A, Novikov K. Physicochemical Effects of Humid Air Treated with Infrared Radiation on Aqueous Solutions. Water. 2021; 14;13(10):1370. doi: 10.3390/w13101370.
Figure 1. Changes in Redox Potential After Exposure to Infrared-Irradiated Humid Air
Water samples exposed to infrared-irradiated humid air showed a reduction in redox potential compared with untreated controls. This means the treated water became less oxidizing and more stable, suggesting that infrared-energized humidity influences water’s internal molecular balance.
Source: Adapted from Yablonskaya et al., 2021.
Figure 2. Increase in Dielectric Constant After Treatment
Exposure to infrared-irradiated humid air led to a higher dielectric constant in both deionized and mineral water, indicating a greater ability to interact with electric fields. This shift reflects subtle structural changes in the water molecules that may contribute to its altered physical behavior.
Source: Adapted from Yablonskaya et al., 2021.
Figure 3. Improved Buffer Stability in Bicarbonate Solutions
When acid was added to bicarbonate buffer solutions, those pre-treated with infrared-irradiated humid air showed greater resistance to pH change compared to controls. This demonstrates an enhanced buffering capacity, helping the water maintain balance under stress.
Source: Adapted from Yablonskaya et al., 2021.
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