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It’s no secret that salt lamps provide a great many valuable health benefits - especially to those with sleeping and respiratory problems. Having a lamp in a room gives off a soft and warm vibe, instantly creating a feeling of relaxation.
However… salt lamps don’t come without a few hazards. While the benefits do outweigh the risks of salt lamps, it still pays to know what these off-chance dangers are. So what are the dangers of Himalayan salt lamps?
Are Salt Lamps Dangerous?
The short answer is No… Even though there was a recall recently in the United States, it was because the company used unsafe electrical components to save cost.
For the most part they are perfectly safe however this article is intentionally going to look at the worst case scenarios so don't be off put by the doom and gloom tone, but do have fun reading as we spell out what could potentially make a salt lamp 'dangerous'.
How you plan on using the salt lamp determines what these hazards are, but for the most part, a salt lamp hazard isn’t usually of the fatal kind. (Unless one of your pets lick the salt off!) Salt lamps are NOT toxic by nature in any way whatsoever.
Himalayan Salt Lamps May Corrode
Many people ask of salt lamps are safe to leave on? The answer is, it's not only safe but recommended, especially if you want to prevent corrosion. If you never turn them on they may corrode your furniture.
Don’t be surprised to see puddles of water on surfaces where you place your salt lamp. Salt is both corrosive and hygroscopic – it absorbs water – in humid areas, this water can drip down onto the surface where the salt lamp is placed and if that surface is metal, there is a risk of it being corroded away because of the chemical interaction of the salt water and the metal.
If your lamp has a wooden base and your lamp frequently sweats like this, then your wooden base also stands at risk of being corroded. So make sure the salt lamp is placed on place-mats and kept dry, especially if its kept in humid environments like the basement, bathroom, or kitchen.
Salt Lamps Aren’t Durable
Our lamps are built to last and very durable, but most salt lamps aren't as durable. You can read more about it on Our Lamps page. Be extra careful when you’re handling Himalayan salt lamps, as salt is brittle and breaks easily.
White Himalayan salt, to be specific, is the most fragile type of salt lamp, and that's why it can cost more, because sourcing and carving it is a harder task.
Beware of Tipsy Heavy Salt Lamps
Salt lamps also weigh more than the average desk lamp and can be dangerous to handle. They are noticeably asymmetric, too, because they are hand-hewn.
Ifyour salt lamp has a poorly carved base (too small, uneven, not properly attached etc), or if it’s a little topside heavy, the salt lamp might fall if pushed slightly.
It’s recommended to check if the lamp is firmly connected to its base as low quality lamps can be haphazardly assembled and not properly attached to the base.
Our lamps are carefully crafted with all this in mind, the bases are very safe and well built, you can read more about it and compare it with other bases on Our Lamps page.
One way to check the authenticity and quality of your salt lamp is to check if it follows Aussie safety standards (SAA stamped) and is originated from Pakistan. But usually you can't tell even from just that information.
The truth is that MANY factors go into how safe and quality your lamp is and most lamps are made without due care. We've spent years in refining and mastering our craftsmanship and lamp creation process so that you get the best of the best.
Hazards For Animals - Take Care with Pets
To be specific, salt lamps are dangerous to cats, since it can cause salt poisoning. Cats are curious little creatures and might lick off the salt.
While salt per se isn’t deadly for them, they can only take up to 16.7 mg of salt daily. If it ingests more than the allowed daily, the cat may vomit, accumulate too much fluid, have seizures and diarrhoea or even fall into a coma. This is in the worst case scenario of course and thousands of salt lamp owners have pet's with no issues as such.
If you're worried, an easy solution to prevent this potential danger is to place the salt lamp in a location inaccessible to your pets. Or discipline your cat not to lick it when you see it trying to.
Dangers For Young Children
If the salt lamp is placed at a height accessible by babies and young children, it can pose a danger to them. They probably won’t lick it… but you really never know what young children get up to when your back is turned… For one, too much salt can lead to gastric problems and (in rare cases) even seizures among infants and children.
They can also be a falling hazard due to their weight and you don't want a heavy lamp falling on anyone - so be sure to keep the lamp in a safe place.
Electrical Hazards
The dangers of using salt lamps may also include electrical dangers and fire risk. Of late, 80,000 Himalayan salt lamps have been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission due to overheating for a particular brand of salt lamps in the United States (which cut on costs and compromised the lamp quality).
Always buy quality and safety approved lamps like the ones we sell here, it’s better for long term usage.
So you might be wondering: Can a salt lamp catch fire?
Electrical dangers and fire are related and causal in nature. These happen when salt lamps have substandard lamp holders, i.e. the lamp holder is loosely installed at the base of the Himalayan salt crystal.
If the salt melts on an exposed lamp holder, this could not only cause damage to the cord and lamp holder but can also make it spark, with the risk of fire. Though this risk is quiet low, even with the cheapest chinese made lamps. If you're worried about your lamp we recommend you don't place it on a carpet (which could be flammable)
All 240V salt lamp holders for that matter, should pass an IP64 test to ensure water doesn’t enter them as the salt melts off. Our lamps have been tested to this standard and approved to Australian consumer standards.
Feng Shui
The next “risk” isn’t really something to be worried about, unless you are a believer of feng shui.
For esoterics, salt is a great cleansing agent, which removes any bad vibes or negative energy in a room. However, feng shui practitioners have misgivings on salt lamps as they do not possess salt’s cleansing power.
They even claim that salt lamps soak up positive energy, which explains why people feel “tired” after staying in a room with a salt lamp turned on (as opposed to being “relaxed” and “sleepy”).
Feng shui practitioners also believe that Himalayan salt lamps are drying, which can cause you to feel despondent and lethargic.
We have not had such reports from our lamp owners. We have however have had several lamp owners suggest that using the lamps has attracted "spirits" to their homes. Some consider this a positive thing, however such claims aren't verifiable and we think, not something serious to worry about!
Common Misunderstanding & Myths
Though these aren't exactly dangers, there are a lot of ‘dangerous’ misconceptions surrounding salt lamps that you should be aware of.
Lowering Blood Pressure
Pink Himalayan salt may be good for your overall health, but it doesn’t substitute any of your medications, especially if these are for blood pressure. There is no scientific study that proves Himalayan salt can lower blood pressure. In fact, salt can causes your blood pressure to rise.
Bone Strengthening Ability
No scientific literature has also been able to prove that Himalayan salt can strengthen your bones. If ever you come across blogs that claim such benefit of Himalayan salt, know that it’s just a myth!
Acid Reflux & Blood Circulation
In a similar vein, Himalayan sea salt was not found to be an effective cure for acid reflux, or a treatment to improve blood circulation. Although this pink sea salt has its share of positive effects on your health, the more outlandish claims should only be taken with a grain of salt. (Figuratively speaking!)
Tips & Precautions in Using Salt Lamps
To prevent fires, electrical damages, and other related salt lamp hazards, avoid tampering with your salt lamp and/or the switch, even when the bulb flickers.
Simply turn it off and take it to the manufacturer or the nearest repair center. Use only SAA certified replacement cords, too.
More important, get a real and high quality salt lamp. Be wary of imitations in the market as they’re far more likely to cause any of the hazards mentioned above.
In Australia, for instance, the “Safe Salt Lamp” brand and logo is mandated to appear in such items to reassure consumers that the manufacturers have complied to Australian safety standards.
Meanwhile, the electrical cables must comply with the safety policies of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and Energy Safe Victoria.
Salt lamps must likewise bear a SAA stamp of approval as proof that they won’t cause fire and electrical hazards.
The Final Say - Dangerous or Not?
Salt lamp dangers can be avoided by simply avoiding products with manufacture and design defects. Even if a lamp costs significantly cheaper than other brands, be a little skeptical and examine it thoroughly before purchasing it. After that basic precaution, simply using common sense and being careful with your lamp should help you steer far clear of any dangers.
Hope you enjoyed this read! Please leave your comments, questions and experience below.
From, The Salt Lamp Shop
FAQs
What are the cons of a salt lamp? ›
Leaking Water is a Problem
These salt lamps attract water, which is why these leak a lot. The negative ions play a large role in this. Apart from this, it can become a hazard for your living environment. Water and electricity do not really work well together and may cause some serious damage to your house or office.
Any electrical device poses a fire hazard if its wiring is defective or damaged or if the product is used incorrectly. In January 2017, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall for salt lamps that presented a risk of fire because their dimmer switches were defective and prone to overheating.
Is salt lamps poisonous to? ›Salt lamps are NOT toxic by nature in any way whatsoever.
Is it good to sleep with a salt lamp on? ›Can you leave a salt lamp on all night? Yes. If your salt lamp has all the safety checks required of electronic devices, then there's no reason to worry about it being left on all night. Many people find the light calming, in which case it is best to leave it on until you fall asleep.
Are salt lamps good for your lungs? ›While pink Himalayan salt lamps are nice to look at, they probably do not offer any substantial health benefits beyond helping people relax. There is little to no evidence to back up claims of air purification, respiratory health, or mood and sleep benefits from salt lamps.
Do salt lamps affect blood pressure? ›Some might wonder if breathing in salt during a Halotherapy session might cause their blood pressure to rise in an unnatural way. It's a good questions and one that has a very simple answer. No, The Salt Suite® salt rooms will not cause your blood pressure to rise.
Can salt lamps grow mold? ›Salt is naturally hygroscopic, meaning it attracts water molecules. So when a salt lamp is placed in a room it is attracting moisture out of the air, with that moisture comes dust, dirt, dander, pollen, mold, bacteria and anything else that could be in your air.
Why were salt lamps recalled? ›Hazard: The dimmer switch and/or outlet plug can overheat and ignite, posing shock and fire hazards.
Why shouldnt you turn off a salt lamp? ›It is recommended that you leave the lamp on continuously when someone is at home to get the maximum benefit from the lamp. A lamp that is NOT ON will absorb moisture and humidity from the surrounding air and will 'cry' (sweat), which is not good for the lamp or the bulb.
Why did my salt block explode? ›Always, always, always heat your salt block up slowly.
If you set it on a cranked-up burner or pre-heated grill right from the get-go, the block can explode. Make sure your block is completely dry and at room temperature before heating. When you heat your block, expect it to discolor and form small cracks and fissures.
Do salt lamps clean the air? ›
The bottom line
There is no evidence that Himalayan salt lamps release negative ions or clean the air. The best way to add negative ions to your home is with a commercial ionization machine that can produce high-density ionization.
When you light them, they give out a warm, reddish-pink glow. Sellers of these decorative pieces say they do more than light up a room. They claim the lamps can boost mood, improve sleep, ease allergies, help people with asthma breathe better, and clean the air, among other benefits.
How long can you safely leave a salt lamp on? ›Furthermore, when you ask yourself “can I leave my Himalayan salt lamp on all night?”, it will please you to realize that not only are these lamps built to last but they can also be left on for up to 42 days straight before you have to replace the bulbs inside of them.
How many hours a day should a salt lamp be on? ›Our number one tip for keeping preventing your salt lamps from sweating is to keep your lamp on for at least 16 hours a day, every day. Keeping it on 24/7 would be even better! Keeping your lamp on keeps the salt block warm and evaporates any excess moisture.
Do salt lamps help sinus? ›More importantly, it's a great way to manage the body's mucus production and nasal inflammation. Since these are the two main symptoms of sinusitis, it makes sense to use salt therapy to augment your treatment regimen.
Do salt lamps help with mucus? ›Salt lamps are also believed to help your airways by attracting toxins to their surface. It's thought by breathing in micro salt particles, it'll help to break down mucus, which can be a big help in the winter months.
Where should you not put a salt lamp on? ›- Next to an open window.
- Outside of the house.
- Rooms no one uses.
- Anywhere that's too accessible to pets or toddlers (for safety reasons).
- In humid areas like the kitchen or bathroom.
The soft pink light glow that the light emits is soothing and part of why the salt lamp might help reduce anxiety. So in the sense that salt lamps help to create a soothing ambiance that is conducive to relaxation, yes, they are helpful with managing anxiety symptoms.
Why are salt lamps good for anxiety? ›There are many natural remedies for anxiety but Himalayan Salt Lamps are a new and viable solution today. The wireless technology releases positive ions in the environment which cause the systems to become imbalanced and raise the levels of stress and anxiety.
Do salt lamps use a lot of electricity? ›Salt lamps are an environmentally friendly source of light. They are powered by low wattage bulbs that consume only a small amount of energy.
Do bugs like salt lamps? ›
see less My salt lamp attracts roaches. They are drawn to the warmth and light and seem to breed underneath it. I have a roach trap outside it to catch them coming or going. If you don't have roaches this won't be a problem.
Are salt lamps safe for dogs? ›While salt lamps may be calming, they can cause salt toxicity in pets.
Do salt lamps act like a dehumidifier? ›Did you know Rock Salt and Salt Lamps can be used as natural dehumidifiers? They can also help purify the air and they're great because they can be completely energy free or can be used with a heating element like a lamp.
How can you tell if a Himalayan salt lamp is real? ›An authentic Himalayan salt lamp has a warm and cozy colour, a little dim in some parts, but is definitely not overly bright. It should not emit too much light the way an incandescent bulb does. The light from real salt lamps is also uneven because the salt structure is uneven in its natural form.
Can I leave my salt lamp on 24 7? ›The simple answer is Yes, 100%, no problemo, of course! Not only can you, but to really feel the calming effects of your salt lamp, it is best to leave it on overnight.
What happens when a salt lamp sweats? ›Why does a Himalayan salt lamp sweat/leak? Salt is hygroscopic – meaning it has a natural moisture absorbing nature. Just like how your salt shakers tend to gather little moisture during summer, salt lamp also gathers moisture and becomes damp.
What are the benefits of keeping salt in bedroom? ›Salt for absorbing negative energy
Sea salt is known to be a healer. Keep a bowl of sea salt in every corner of your house to absorb all the negative energy. Also, you could keep sea salt rocks in the corners of your home.
Salt Lamp Leaking:
Himalayan salt is hygroscopic in nature which means it attracts moisture from the environment. Along with the moisture, all the impurities also get trapped inside the lamp. It is the moisture absorbed from the environment that causes the salt lamp to leak. Nothing to worry about.
It occurs due to the natural properties of salt lamps. Salt is hygroscopic, meaning it draws in moisture from the air by default. For this reason if you leave a salt lamp anywhere, especially out in the open or in humid environments, water from the air will naturally start to condense on the surface.
Why cook steak on a salt block? ›The salt block adds the perfect level of natural flavor, no need to add any salt! Preheat the salt block slowly to avoid cracking for evenly distributed heat while grilling. No matter your experience level, we have handy how-to instructions and salt block recipes in our Himalayan Salt Block Cooking Guide.
Are Himalayan salt blocks safe? ›
A salt block is altogether a safe, resilient, germ-free cooking surface. Himalayan salt is naturally anti-microbial, due to its low porosity and moisture retention. Salt blocks can also withstand cooking at very high heat; pink salt's melting point is a little under 1,500°F!
Can you reuse Himalayan salt blocks? ›The first few times you heat up your salt block, fissures and cracks will appear, and the color may change from its original pink to a whiter color. This is normal. However, after successive uses, you may find that the salt block regains some of its original hue, largely as a result of washing.
How do you clean a salt rock light? ›Purists insist that a salt lamp should never be washed, as its natural effect is one of self-cleansing. With its antibiotic properties, it does not need washing. However; if it gets too dusty, they suggest a slightly damp microfibre cloth to gently wipe away debris.
Do salt lamps detoxify? ›Not only could a salt lamp help clear the air in your home, but it could also help gently detox your body and reduce some of the effects of stress.
What are the side effects of salt room? ›What are the side effects? Since dry salt therapy is 100% natural and drug free, there are no negative side effects. After sessions, you may experience a slight cough, minor tightness in the chest or runny nose, but this is simply the salt doing its work to remove mucus and toxins from the lungs and airways.
Do salt lamps eventually melt? ›No. HSL does not melt. It is not ice. Over the years, we found out that many people have the misconception that their Himalayan Salt Lamp (HSL) is melting when moisture occurs.
Why is my salt lamp hot to touch? ›Are they hot to touch like a normal light bulb? No, the lamp itself should only ever be slightly warm to the touch. If your lamp is too hot to touch you are most likely using the wrong size bulb & it should be changed. Only use 15 watt bulbs in the electrical cords provided.
How many years does a salt lamp last? ›Q: How long do salt lamps last? A: Contrary to popular myth, salt lamps do not erode or melt or expire. They will continue to work for years as long as they are cleaned once in a while (see cleaning your salt lamp). However salt lamps bulbs expire every 1000 hours, 42 days of 24/7 use.
Can salt lamps be left on 24 7? ›The simple answer is Yes, 100%, no problemo, of course! Not only can you, but to really feel the calming effects of your salt lamp, it is best to leave it on overnight.
Are salt lamps harmful to dogs? ›The odd lick of a salt lamp is unlikely to cause harm, but if your cat or dog gets hooked on the salt – much like we get hooked on potato chips – that's when problems can arise. If your pet likes the salt, he may become “addicted” and go back to it again and again – leading to salt toxicity.
Where is the best place to put a salt lamp in your house? ›
- On your bedside table in your bedroom – keep your lamp on as a night light and you'll have deeper better sleeps and clean air at night.
- On your study desk or next to your favourite sitting spot.
- Next to a sofa that you frequently use.
- Anywhere in your home where you spend a lot of time.
Because Himalayan salt lamps remove microscopic particles of dust, pet dander, mold, mildew and the like from the surrounding air, placing a lamp or two in the rooms where you spend the most time can seriously cut back on allergy symptoms.
Do salt lamps make rooms damp? ›Salt is hygroscopic – meaning it has a natural moisture absorbing nature. Just like how your salt shakers tend to gather little moisture during summer, salt lamp also gathers moisture and becomes damp. Himalayan salt lamps purify the surrounding air through moisture absorption.
How often should you clean your salt lamp? ›The Careful Kid Glove Treatment
Purists insist that a salt lamp should never be washed, as its natural effect is one of self-cleansing. With its antibiotic properties, it does not need washing. However; if it gets too dusty, they suggest a slightly damp microfibre cloth to gently wipe away debris.
Salt lamps do not have an expiry or use limit!
Will a salt lamp attract bugs? ›see less My salt lamp attracts roaches. They are drawn to the warmth and light and seem to breed underneath it. I have a roach trap outside it to catch them coming or going. If you don't have roaches this won't be a problem.