A Study of Atmospheric Ionization: Measurements of the Ion Conditions in an ATC Laboratory and a Review of the Literature of Ion Effects on Performance.

Abstract

Reports of irritating sensations affecting the face, nose, and eyes when working at ATC radar positions motivated the study. The possibility was considered that an atmospheric ion imbalance, due to the high voltages present on the equipment could be the cause of the observed sensations. Accordingly, a project was initiated for the measurement of atmospheric ion levels. A significant Percent Excess Charge for very small ions was found in the vicinity of the RBDE-5 radar displays. The imbalance, in favor of positive ions, exceeded +33 percent. This positive imbalance, possibly the cause of the irritating sensations, might be due to the 20 kilovolt positive accelerating potential used for the displays. The literature on atmospheric ions was reviewed to determine the relationship between ion levels and task performance and health. The thresholds for the onset of deleterious effects of positive ions were tentatively defined. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1972
Accession Number
AD0742474

Entities

People

  • Bruce L. Rosenberg

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Traffic Control Radar
  • High Voltage
  • Ionization
  • Literature
  • Measurement
  • Mechanical Equipment
  • Navigational Aids
  • Navigational Equipment
  • Radar
  • Radar Equipment
  • Sensation
  • Task Performance And Analysis
  • Voltage

Readers

  • Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
  • Molecular Photonics/Laser Physics
  • Neurological Diseases/Conditions/Disorders