It’s no secret that Himalayan salt lamps are all the rage these days.
But are they really safe?
According to most experts, yes! However, there are a few potential negative side effects that you should be aware of before using one.
Summary
Himalayan salt lamps are safe, but there are a few potential risks to be aware of before using one.
Some potential risks associated with Himalayan salt lamps include dust & salt shedding, the possibility of the lamp catching fire, and brittle salt lamps.
It is also important to be aware that natural Himalayan salt lamps can be toxic to animals if they lick them.
In fact, many people believe that these unique lamps offer a number of benefits, including improved air quality and reduced stress levels. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Are There Any Cons to Using a Himalayan Salt Lamp?
Although there are many benefits associated with Himalayan salt lamps, safety should also be a priority. Though these lamps are generally safe to use and pose no known risk to humans, there are some potential cons or ‘salt lamp dangers’ that you should be aware of.
Dust & Salt Shedding
You need to consider the amount of dust emitted from a salt lamp. As the lamp heats up, it can cause a build-up of dust particles, which could trigger allergies or asthma symptoms in some people.
To avoid this issue, make sure to clean your salt lamp regularly with a damp cloth and keep it away from areas where dust may accumulate.

Brittle Salt Lamps
Himalayan salt lamps are prone to cracking due to their delicate nature. If the lamp is exposed to too much heat or humidity, it can cause the salt to become brittle and crack, resulting in a safety hazard.
To prevent this from happening, make sure that your salt lamp is placed away from direct sunlight and kept in an area with low humidity levels.
Possibility of Salt Lamps Catching Fire
The most common safety risk associated with Himalayan salt lamps is the potential for the cord to become frayed or broken, exposing it to water and creating a fire hazard. To avoid this risk, make sure your lamp is UL-certified (an independent safety testing organization).
The use of electricity with Salt Lamps does raise some safety concerns. Fire is a risk when using electric bulbs, especially if they are in contact with the salt surface.
Himalayan salt lamp warnings suggest that consumers use low-wattage bulbs to reduce the chances of heat building up and creating a fire hazard.
It is also important to ensure that the lamp is completely dry before plugging it in, as moisture can create an electrical shock or other dangerous conditions.
If you are considering purchasing a Himalayan Salt Lamp, look for models that use LED lights or halogen lamps to avoid the fire hazard of traditional light bulbs. These alternatives produce less heat and lower wattage, thus reducing the chance of overheating and fire.

Are Natural Himalayan Salt lamps safe to leave on?
Himalayan salt lamps are generally safe to leave on for extended periods of time. However, it is important to be aware of a few potential risks and take appropriate precautions when using them.
One potential risk associated with salt rock crystal lamps is the possibility of fire from an electrical short or a bulb that has become too hot. To reduce this risk, only buy lamps that have been certified as safe and use LED bulbs with low wattage.
It is also important to make sure the cord and plug are in good condition and not frayed or damaged.
Beware of Fakes!
We’ve gone into detail about how to spot a fake Himalayan salt lamp in this guide. You need to be aware that cheap Chinese imported Himalayan salt will never be genuine and probably will not have the appropriate certificates.
Be sure to buy from a trusted source when purchasing your lamp and ensure that it is genuine quality salt lamp. Poorly made salt lamps will pose the most risks when it comes to fire hazards.
Salt Toxicity in Animals
Whilst its generally considered safe for humans to lick salt lamps (yes, this is a thing, read all about licking salt lamps here), you should ensure that your cats and dogs do not lick salt samps. Too much salt can lead to salt toxicity which is highly dangerous for your pets.
Himalayan Salt Lamp Warnings
Salt lamps don’t come without some warnings. It should not be used or stored in humid or wet environments and should always be turned off when not in use. The heat from the bulb can cause the salt to breakdown, potentially releasing toxic elements into your home.
Also, take care when handling a Himalayan salt lamp as they are very heavy but fragile and can easily chip or crack. Finally, the cord should be inspected frequently to ensure it is not damaged which could lead to electric shock.
Heavy Salt Lamps Can be Dangerous
Although Himalayan salt lamps are generally considered to be safe, it is important to remember that they can be very heavy.
If a lamp is placed on an unstable surface, it could topple over and potentially cause injury or property damage.
Summary
It is therefore recommended that you only use a stable base for your lamp and avoid placing it on furniture or other surfaces that could be easily tipped over.
Can Pink Salt Crystal Lamps Be Toxic?
When it comes to Himalayan salt lamps, the most common concern is whether or not they can be toxic. The simple answer is no – these beautiful pink crystal lamps are definitely not toxic.
However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before purchasing one for your home. First of all, make sure that you buy your lamp from a reputable source.
There have been some reports of fake Himalayan salt being sold as the real thing, so do your research and only buy from a trusted store.
When using your lamp, don’t leave it on for more than four hours at a time; give it a break every now and then to avoid overworking the bulb.
If you have any pets who like to lick (we’re looking at you cats!), keep them away from the salt lamp, salt toxicity can be very dangerous for pets.
Other than that, there’s really no need to worry about Himalayan salt lamps being toxic.
So go ahead and enjoy the benefits of these beautiful, natural objects in your home – just be sure to use them safely!
Summary
Himalayan salt lamps are not toxic, but it’s important to buy from a reputable source and not leave them on for more than four hours at a time.
FAQs in Relation to Himalayan Salt Rock Lamps
Do Himalayan salt lamps affect sleep?
Some people believe that Himalayan salt lamps can affect sleep. It is possible that the negative ions emitted by the lamp could help to reduce the levels of dust, pollen and other allergens in your bedroom, which could lead to better sleep quality.
However, no research has been done on the effects of salt lamps on sleep. Whilst there was some research done on negative ions and sleep, it did not prove it was helpful
Do salt lamps affect blood pressure?
Himalayan salt lamps are said to be natural air purifiers, and some people claim they can also reduce stress, improve sleep, boost energy levels, and even help with reducing blood pressure. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
While having a Himalayan salt lamp in the home may provide aesthetic appeal or therapeutic benefits that contribute to a sense of relaxation, the lamp itself does not have a scientifically-proven impact on blood pressure.
Where should you not put a salt lamp on?
It is important to keep in mind that Himalayan salt lamps can be vulnerable to heat and moisture. Therefore, you should avoid placing your lamp near any sources of high heat or dampness. This includes areas like bathrooms, saunas, greenhouses, or other humid locations.
It’s also important to make sure the lamp is not placed near any open flames as the heat could cause the salt to release harmful chemicals into the air.
Are there Himalayan salt lamps side effects?
There is also no evidence to suggest that these lamps are unsafe or have any negative side effects. It’s worth noting there is no evidence of positive effects from Himalayan salt lamps, even though many claim that negative air ions released by the lamps can help with air purification.
It is important to keep your salt lamp away from moisture and humidity-sensitive materials, such as furniture or electronics, in order to avoid any potential damage.
The heat generated by the bulb inside the lamp can also be a safety concern if it gets too hot. This is why it is important to use bulbs with low wattage (15-25 watts) in order to avoid overheating.
Also, make sure that the lamp is placed on a surface that will not be damaged by heat, such as marble or stone.
It is important to remember that these lamps are made of salt and can easily break if dropped or handled too roughly. Therefore, it is best to keep the lamp away from areas with a lot of foot traffic and take care when handling it.