The Proliferation of the Salt Lamp

Over the last 10 to 12 years, salt lamps have gone from a small niche market to an increasingly mainstream product. We jumped into the business in mid-2004 after enjoying the salt lamps we bought so much (we knew others would love them too). With 10 lamps and a small closet, our newborn company took it's first steps; and it grew. These days, we have multiple warehouses and TONS of Himalayan salt lamps, bath salt, and pink gourmet salt. We import 40ft containers of salt products for ourselves as well as many of our customers throughout the year. Our retail return rate is less than 1% over 5 years even offering a 30 day unconditional guarantee. We have constantly researched salt lamps, and offer a uniquely different explanation that doesn't defy the laws of chemistry and physics as the explanations given by magpie salt lamp sites always do (hint: salt lamps DO NOT emit or generate negative ions). Not trying to toot our own horn but I think it is safe to say that Ionicsalts is an authority on salt lamps, given what little else others have offered over the years in good and new information. We even have other salt lamp sites referring people with questions to us! Not kidding. We answer them ALL and answer them well.

And so, we grow. We have big plans too, but that's for another time.

It's almost 2010 now. The salt lamp market is maturing and growing rapidly as word spreads, this makes it competitive. Many of our competitors are being...well, competitive, in the online domain. So be it...

There are "salt lamps" out there for around $10. It's called "whoring" the market and it makes me a very sad panda because what you get inside the box is a crap rock and usually a crap switch and cord. Himalayan salt crystal is priced by quality level: Premium, Good, Fair. This is why a salt lamp can be sold so cheaply at little or no actual profit. This is why people are always surprised when they see our salt lamps, they aren't just fair or good...we insist on and only accept PREMIUM quality salt, it shows when compared to another lamp bought somewhere else (unless you bought it from someone who buys from us!). We pay more but what we get is astonishingly good thanks to our overseas suppliers and manufacturers. If a lamp happens to be not to our liking, we don't ship it - we find a better one. What you can buy elsewhere generally isn't even looked at, much less plugged in and tested; trust me, we've checked up on others over the years. Our online retail return rate over six years is less than 0.01% (1/100th of a percent)...we've always had a 30 day unconditional, hassle-free satisfaction guarantee.

Salt lamps are everywhere these days, at many different quality levels and prices. They are products that actually work wonders for many people, some just a little and others much more. For years there has been a misunderstanding about how a salt lamp does whatever it does to indoor air quality, and myths have become general consensus. The truth about salt lamps can be found in this article.

Still shopping time left....how about the perfect gift?

Neti Pot Once a Day Can Cause Infections, Study Finds

Neti pots have been around for a long time. The first time I saw one used was on a web video....it was startling, and seemed painful. Still to this day I've never tried it, luckily sinus problems do not give me trouble. Here's the video:

In a meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology in Miami, Dr. Talal M. Nsouli, of Watergate Allergy & Asthma Center in Washington said,

I don't have anything against short-term nasal saline irrigation -- even aggressive nasal saline irrigation for three, four days or one week is totally fine, but when we are doing it on a daily basis, we are modifying the immunological biochemistry of the nose.

That can result in a "depletion of immune elements" -- therefore, recurrent sinus infections.

This will lead us to a vicious cycle, more infections, more nasal saline; more nasal saline, more infections. We need to cut this cycle.

Seems almost like nasal spray...pretty soon you GOT to have it. Be careful out there. Mucus is the first line of defense more often than not, without it we are open to much more infections.

Using a salt lamp would be a less harsh method of treatment, treating the air rather than the person; but it seems likely that some of us have bad sinuses and need more for relief.

Salt Lamps Naturally Improve Indoor Air Quality

A salt lamp can be a natural, homeopathic way to improve the quality of indoor air we breathe and beautify a home or office environment. There is also logical scientific basis for salt lamps' healthy effects on surrounding air and human well-being.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) – Nov 11, 2009 – Indoor air quality is among the top five environmental health risks, according to the EPA1. Today, Americans spend up to 90% of their day-to-day life indoors surrounded by asthma and respiratory allergy triggers such as mold, dust mites, pets, smoke, and more. The increasing prevalence of both asthma and allergies over the last few decades has created a large industry in prescription medications amounting to over 6 billion dollars annually for asthma drugs alone2; this despite the handful of known side effects these may have. Air cleaners can be helpful, but are often noisy, require regular maintenance and a good bit of electricity. There is, however, an increasingly popular and eco-friendly tool to help improve indoor air, and even well-being. Salt lamps are a natural alternative to consider for cleaner, healthier air. A solid chunk of crystal salt warmed and glowing with a low-wattage incandescent bulb really can make a difference inside a room; and due to its hygroscopic3 properties, the differences are not just aesthetic.

The Himalayan salt lamp is the most common variety found in the United States, and originates from government-owned mines in the Himalayan foothills of eastern and northern Pakistan. This crystalline salt is over 250 million years old, formed from this planet's pristine primal sea. The purity and translucent, mineral-rich coloring create a warm, ambient glow when these salt lamps are lighted. Colors of Himalayan salt can range from pure white through dark red, along with a variety of slate blue or grey. Quality levels can vary widely, with the biggest differences being in visual quality of the salt chunk and craftsmanship of the lamp itself. Cheaper is certainly not better when it comes to Himalayan salt lamps. A salt crystal lamp will last a lifetime and beyond when used properly, so stick with premium quality4.

The most rare and valued variety of salt lamps these days are Persian salt lamps. While prized for their rich spectrum of purple and blue coloring, the actual salt contained in these Iranian mines is predominantly white to cream colored. The veins of purple color within the mine are thin, especially compared to the vast mines found in Pakistan, and this limits the amount of purple salt lamps that can be produced. The colors produced by a premium-level purple Persian salt lamp can range almost anywhere in the purple spectrum including lavender, plum, indigo, and violet. Blue specks permeate through kind of salt most notably on the outer lamp surface. Standard-level Persian salt lamps are slightly more common, being purple mixed with white in color5. Interestingly, these salt lamps could also have a cosmic origin as purple and blue salt was discovered inside fallen meteorites in 1998. Read http://persiansaltlamps.com/cosmic-salt-lamps.htm for more information.

Regardless of color, crystalline salt rocks share a common trait of attracting water molecules to their salt surface known as being hygroscopic. The natural attraction of moisture from the air is the real secret of how a salt lamp works. Widespread anecdotal claims about crystal salt "generating" negative ions have yet to be scientifically studied, documented, published, and peer reviewed. This could likely be either a lack of available data, or simply an urban legend that has earned its share of skeptics over the years. There is another theory about salt lamps realized by Ionicsalts, however, that logically suggests benefits come from two conditions created by the attraction of water and salt rather than simply negative ion generation.

As an aside, negative ions are well-known for benefitting immunity, the respiratory system, mood; increasing the flow of oxygen to the brain creating decreased drowsiness, higher alertness levels, and raising mental capacity in at least the one in three people that are sensitive to the effects6. Contrarily, positive ions have been linked to problems such as fatigue, anxiety, headaches, and more.

In the average home or office, indoor air has an electrical balance of both positive and negative ions; yet naturally holds a slight positive electrical charge due in large part to technology and machines, along with airborne moisture and particulates that attach to these floating water molecules such as mold, fungi, bacteria, viruses, allergens, etc. These particulates cannot remain airborne and viable without the positive-charged water molecule. In the first condition created by a salt lamp, moisture is drawn to the surface of the lamp through the air. Reduced airborne humidity reduces the amount of floating respiratory irritants and asthma triggers by forming an inhospitable environment. These irritants and triggers eventually fall harmlessly to the floor. The surrounding indoor air becomes naturally cleaner.

The second condition a salt lamp can create in an indoor space is altering the electrical balance of an area. As the natural balance of positive and negative ions exists in ambient air, removing positively charged particles increases the ratio in favor of negative ions. This is measurable. It's possible that a negatively-charged ionic field exists to some extent around a warm salt lamp, but this field is likely small because negative ions have a rather short life span. Lastly, the warmth of a lighted salt lamp creates an upward convection current of air creating slight circulation and accelerating the process of moisture evaporation on the salt surface. This action further enhances the overall effect salt lamps can have in a room.

Salt lamps can be a beautiful and natural way to breathing healthier indoor air. They are not medical devices, nor have they been officially recognized as diagnosing, curing, or treating any disease; alternative medicine receives little to no funding for such things. As with anything homeopathic or holistic, results vary between individuals and environments based on personal sensitivities. One thing is certain, indoor air quality can noticeably improve with a lighted salt lamp around.

1 www.epa.gov/iaq/pdfs/aircleaners.pdf
2 www.aaaai.org/media/statistics/asthma-statistics.asp
3 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygroscopy
4 www.ionicsalts.com/shop
5 persiansaltlamps.com
6 www.webmd.com/balance/features/negative-ions-create-positive-vibes

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Ionicsalts.com is a leading Himalayan salt company and importer based in Charlotte, NC, USA. Family-owned and operated, the company was founded in 2004 and has since gained a market reputation of offering the highest quality products and information with friendly, hassle-free service. Specialized in premium-quality salt lamps, bath salt, and gourmet edible pink salt. Retail, wholesale, and direct import. Please visit for more information about Himalayan salt and salt lamps: http://www.ionicsalts.com

Recall on salt lamp cords...a clarification.

I happened upon this story the on the day it came out, ironically, and questioned the hazard conclusions made and the vernacular used when I read it; misleading and likely incorrect in my personal opinion. In light of this, we feel there needs to be some common sense and clarity added to the discussion.

The report:

Lamps Recalled by LTD Commodities LLC, ABC Distributing and the Lakeside Collection Due to Fire Hazard

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Ionic Salt Lamps

Units: About 25,800

Distributor: LTD Commodities LLC; ABC Distributing of Bannockburn, Ill., and Lakeside Collection, all of Bannockburn, Ill.

Manufacturer: Fashion Stitches & More, Inc., of Dayton, N.J.

Hazard: The lamps overheat causing the vinyl coating on the cord to burst and melt, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received eight reports of overheating, including two reports of hand burns.

Description: The recalled ionic salt lamp varies in color from light to dark red and is attached to a wood base. The lamp fixture comes with a 10 watt bulb and a black cord with an inline on/off switch. The UL file number E216832 will be printed on the cord and the UL file number E214389 on the plug.

Sold by: LTD Commodities, ABC Distributing, and Lakeside Collection catalogs, and on their Web sites from March 2009 through May 2009 for about $12.

Manufactured in: Pakistan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact either LTD Commodities, ABC Distributing or Lakeside Collection to receive a replacement cord set. All consumers who purchased the Ionic Salt Lamps were notified directly about the recall.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact either LTD Commodities or ABC Distributing toll free at (866) 736-3654, or Lakeside Collection toll-free at (866) 847-4327 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT, or logon to www.ltdcommodities.com, www.abcdistributing.com or www.lakeside.com

First and foremost, E-klectix / Ionicsalts.com is in no way affiliated or associated with the named companies listed in the report. We have NEVER had a safety issue with our electrical cords, and this is because we fully test every single cord we ship as part of day-to-day order processing and fulfillment. Yes, it adds a little time to each shipment in getting it ready - but it's ready and there is no uncertainty about what's in the box we just packed and shipped; a return rate of less than 1% testifies to these practices.

The usage of "Ionic Salt Lamps" is troubling because of natural search engine keywords as well as word association. Why say "ionic"? Is this what was printed on the box? Why the extra adjective to describe a salt lamp? What about "Himalayan", "beautiful", "natural", "rock", "electric", or "decorative"? We received an email recently, from someone who had shipped their recalled cord and wanted to know when to expect the receive the replacement. How are we supposed to know? It's not us! But, thanks to inadvertent usage of the word "ionic" in this US government report, the association was made...unsurprisingly and unfortunately.

Then, there is this little item:

Hazard: The lamps overheat causing the vinyl coating on the cord to burst and melt, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

From our own experience and knowledge with salt lamps for many years now, this statement is misworded at best. Someone explain to me how a 10-watt incandescent salt lamp bulb will heat a salt lamp to a temperature that cause vinyl coating on a cord to "burst and melt". Ten watt bulbs are not suitable for warming anything even lukewarm but the smallest of salt lamps, like 1-2 lbs, which relatively speaking is nothing more that one of our salt bath bars with a light inside. Our smallest salt lamps are 5-6 lbs. generally.

The better worded hazard conclusion: Cheap, poorly-made, UL-listed electrical cords burst and melt, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

The lamps are not likely to be overheating and melting plastic with a 10-watt bulb; nor are people likely getting burned by a salt lamp with a 10-watt bulb but with a poorly-wired and/or poorly-manufactured electrical cord.

This is what happens when bargain shopping rather than insisting on quality. That's just not us.