Abstract: A portable ion generator has a housing with a high-tension source disposed therein and a high-tension electrode of needle shape, projecting from the housing. The needle electrode is surrounded at a spacing therefrom by a second, annular electrode which is also connected to the high-tension source and which projects from the housing at the same side as the needle electrode. The housing is supported on an electrically conductive carrier element which is electrically conductively connected to the annular electrode.