Mining Research

How is Himalayan salt mined?

The salt is mined by hand by skilled workers using traditional methods, so there’s little to no pollution or waste byproducts from manufacturing. Though Himalayanpink salt was formed millions of years ago, the six mines where the salt is harvested each contain vast supplies.

All sorts of claims have been made for himalayan pink salt lamps, a popular type of negative ion generator. Properties of these lamps are supposed to range from purifying the air to preventing cancer.

With their pinkish-orange color and and natural crystal shape, the lamps certainly look attractive: but will they make you healthier? Let’s get to the nitty gritty.

Do Himalayan salt lamps truly have healing benefits?
…or are they merely hyped-up quackery?
Negative ion generator sounds sophisticated, but seasoned bullshit-watchers will know that scientific-sounding titles sometimes conceal kumbaya.

Let’s examine closely what science has to say. So you can decide if you must be off your rockers to buy this gadget while expecting it to boost your health.

What’s more.. Your eyes might get opened regarding the trustworthiness of the many websites that rave about ‘the health benefits of Himalayan pink salt lamps for your home’.

Attributed Himalayan salt lamp health benefitsNatural living proponents and other fans of Himalayan pinksalt lamps (HPS lamps) claim that the negative salt ions released by heating can boost blood flow, improve sleep, increase levels of serotonin in the brain, and calm allergy or asthma symptoms.

These negative ions are said to neutralize electromagnetic radiation from household electronics, and even prevent the build-up of static electricity. How much of this is really true? Surely, if a table lamp really did all that it would be a scientific marvel.

How do Himalayan salt lamps work?

Salt is hygroscopic, so the lamps attract water molecules from the air; this means the lamps trap dirt, pollen, and smoke particles which are carried in water vapor.Once these airborne contaminants have been locked in the salt, clean water is re-released and thus it has a purifying effect on the air. Theoretically that is.Scientists know that salt does absorb water from the air but that it quickly reaches an equilibrium state (it doesn’t take up anymore water because it is saturated). This is the same for silica packets. Both can be revitalized by drying, which a burning and warming lamp does. So there is merit to this claim.

What’s more is that the heat from the bulb inside that warms up the lamp releases negative ions. And there are the health-boosting effects of salt itself too It is typically formed by the evaporation of salty water (such as sea water) which contains dissolved Na+ and Cl- ions. One finds rock salt deposits ringing dry lake beds, inland marginal seas, and enclosed bays and estuaries in arid regions of the world.

1. Neutralizing electromagnetic radiation

There is a theory that the much-debated sick building syndrome is due to a build-up of positive ions from electronic equipment.

We are embedded in a vast sea of electromagnetic (EM) radiation emitted by our electronics (smart phone, computer, television, tablet, appliances, etc).

Nobody knows for sure what the long term effects of EM exposure will be. What is known is that constant EM radiation exposure can cause chronic fatigue, increases stress levels, and decreases the body’s immune response, to name a few.

Negative ions will certainly cancel out positive ions; however, to counteract electromagnetic radiation entirely, you would need to wrap yourself in lead sheeting, not just light a lamp next to the TV.

To what extent Himalayan salt lamps emit negative ions into the air remains to be seen. It’s not sure if they are powerful enough to neutralize electromagnetic radiation, also called ‘electro-smog’ at all.

Neutralizing may be a gross overstatement. Helping reduce seems more appropriate.But if you’re looking for a nice lamp anyway, why not keep one next to your computer or TV if it can potentially reduce harmful side effects of our gadget-focused lifestyle?

2. Purifying the air

Natural living afficionados boast that the core benefit of these lamps is “their incredible power to remove pollen, dust, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants from the air”. And even though devotees admit “it’s just a big chunk of salt with a light bulb inside” they claim that their efficacy stems from hygroscopy, attracting and absorbing water molecules with contaminants inside, from the surrounding environment, trapping them into the salt crystal.

It is absolutely true that the salt lamps are hygroscopic: they do suck water vapor from the air. Salt in the air has long been seen as a health booster, and sea air has been proven to help clear the airways.In the 19th century, Polish salt miners (working in the same mines which now produce “Himalayan” salt) were known to have fewer pulmonary health problems than the general population.

There is ample scientific evidence of the health benefits of breathing salty air. However, rock salt isn’t particularly effective at spreading salt particles through the air.There are ‘salt spas’ around Europe, which people visit for help with their respiratory problems, but these are rooms lined with blocks of salt like mosaic tiling. It seems unlikely that a 10-inch lamp would affect the air of the whole room