Salt lamp: Difference between revisions
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A '''salt lamp''' is a lamp carved from natural [[salt]] [[crystal]], often colored, with an [[incandescent bulb]] or a [[candle]] inside. The largest producers of this product are located in [[Pakistan]], with [[Poland]] and [[Iran]] also offering variations. |
A '''salt lamp''' is a lamp carved from natural [[salt]] [[crystal]], often colored, with an [[incandescent bulb]] or a [[candle]] inside. The largest producers of this product are located in [[Pakistan]], with [[Poland]] and [[Iran]] also offering variations. |
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| ⚫ | The lamps are often sold with claims of their health-promoting properties, such as the ability to release ions that purify the air. Peer-reviewed studies and research confirming or denying the claim of salt lamps' negative ion generation are difficult to find, if they exist at all. The UK science group [[Sense About Science]] attempted to find a scientific basis for the dubious claims made by salt lamp sellers, but did not find any evidence to back up the salt lamp sellers' claims of health benefits. |
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== How a salt lamp works == |
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Salt lamps are inherently hygroscopic [http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hygroscopic] - that is, they attract moisture from the air. Airborne irritants found floating in many indoor spaces, like houses or offices, require moisture to remain in the air and viable even down to the molecular level. These irritants include such common things as mold spores, dander, bacteria, viruses and dust. |
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With a salt lamp, airborne humidity is naturally attracted to the surface of the salt where it dissolves the salt and creates a [[brine]] solution until the saturation point of 26% to 27% is reached. |
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A lighted salt lamp, heated by an incandescent bulb or flame and warm to the touch, accelerates the evaporation process on the salt surface. The heat can create a slight convection current of rising air, drawing more air in from the sides, attracting humidity, and the process continues as water and salt interact again. |
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== Ion generation claim == |
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== Additional information == |
== Additional information == |
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Revision as of 21:07, 17 April 2008
A salt lamp is a lamp carved from natural salt crystal, often colored, with an incandescent bulb or a candle inside. The largest producers of this product are located in Pakistan, with Poland and Iran also offering variations.
The lamps are often sold with claims of their health-promoting properties, such as the ability to release ions that purify the air. Peer-reviewed studies and research confirming or denying the claim of salt lamps' negative ion generation are difficult to find, if they exist at all. The UK science group Sense About Science attempted to find a scientific basis for the dubious claims made by salt lamp sellers, but did not find any evidence to back up the salt lamp sellers' claims of health benefits.
Additional information
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