Abstract: An area ionization system which includes a first set of positive emitters and a second set of negative emitters for providing a supply of positive and negative ions to a work area. A control circuit or computerized control system simultaneously provides high voltage to the positive emitters and to the negative emitters. This "steady state DC" system has been found to be superior to previous systems which provide alternating current or pulsed direct current to emitters. The steady, balanced supply of positive and negative ions allows faster charge decay rates within the work area as well as reduced foreign material contamination. The system also distributes power to the emitters throughout the work area via low voltage lines. The low voltage is stepped up in the emitter arrays in order to supply 8-12 kilovolts to the emitters.