An ion generating element includes a positive ion discharger for generating positive ions and a negative ion discharger for generating negative ions. The ion dischargers are arranged separately from and independently of each other with a distance securing insulation between them. At least one of the dischargers includes a discharging portion for causing electric discharge, and a conducting portion having a voltage same as the discharging portion. The conducting portion surrounds a perimeter or part of the discharging portion. The conducting portion may surround a perimeter or part of the discharging portion so as to partition the ion dischargers from each other.