Himalayan salt lamps are incredibly pink crystals of salt mounted on bases made of solid wood. From within them are tiny bulbs that radiate light. When they are lit in the sitting room, they create quite a luminous feel that is not only natural, but cozy and peaceful as well. Are you a fan of an inexpensive yet indirect source of light? Are you passionate about light that is not too bright for reading, but so soft that it suffuses the room, leaving a sweet pink glow? Well, if all the answers are yes, this is the kind of thing for you.
The lamps are touted to exhibit healing powers. While there is no scientific evidence to prove this, some vendors have insinuated online that the lamps are capable of improving air quality, relieving anxiety and depression and purifying the air found within the home environment. All these attributes sound a little exaggerated but are they true?
A major scientific claim is that the salt lamps give out negative ions that are said to boost people's moods. Peer-reviewed studies about biological and psychological effects of these ions support the fact that they could be a sure relief for stress and anxiety.
Some sense could be there in the findings. After all, ions are formed under situations with high energy that involve water. They are found in immense numbers next to waterfalls, beaches with tumultuous waves, lightning storms among other places. Looking at these environments, they are patently exhilarating.
Ions are molecules or atoms which have lost electrons. The result is positive or negative charges. Other types of ions are created through Earth's natural radioactivity. Some are by cosmic rays that regularly bombard the planet earth from outer space. The house's interior on the contrary, is a poor conductor of ion as negative and positive charges attract one another. When they team up inside the house, they form molecules that are neutral.
This leads to the question; does the salt lamp have sufficient energy to lead to the ionization of chloride molecules in the home? The answer unfortunately, is no. For the salt crystals to be ionized, there must be heat that is approximately 816 C or 1,500F. There are minerals however, like tourmaline, which produce ions with production of a little heat from a light bulb. Sadly, the tourmaline bulb is very expensive for regular use.
Salt lamps are not capable of producing enough heat to purify the air in the house. When in the house, they are thought to be able to attract water vapor and vacuum pollutants within the environment by getting them stuck on the lamp. The idea sounds really great. However, the sparkling rock is incapable of purifying the air in the home. It is probably ideal for sitting beside the bedside table and radiating mystery.
Note: The salt lamp may not be toxic to humans, but they are not edible as well. On the other hand, felines like cats enjoy licking it and this may lead to catastrophic results. Ensure the salt lamp is out of reach of little animals, or even kids with their overbearing curiosity.
