Grounding Mats: Are They Dangerous? Myths and Precautions

The safety of grounding mats is a legitimate concern for many users. The good news is that, when used correctly, grounding mats are generally considered safe and offer many potential health benefits.

No risk of electrocution (with a working outlet)

The risk of electrocution is virtually zero as long as the mat is plugged into a properly functioning, grounded electrical outlet. Grounding mats are designed with plastic prongs for the "live" parts of the outlet and only conduct electricity through the ground, ensuring a secure connection to the earth.

Checking your electrical installation: a crucial step

The main point of vigilance concerns the quality of your electrical installation. It is strongly recommended to use a socket tester to ensure that your wall outlet is properly grounded (displaying "OK" or "GROUND CORRECT") before connecting your grounding mat. Faulty installation or a damaged cable could, in rare cases, cause problems.

• If the tester does not indicate a proper ground, consult an electrician before using the mat.
• Our grounding mats incorporate a 100 kOhm resistor for added safety. This resistor helps block high-frequency electrical charges (parasites) that could flow through the electrical ground, while still allowing for effective drainage of 50 Hz frequencies.

Should we be worried about EMF (Electromagnetic Fields)?

This is a topic that sometimes raises concerns. Many studies and experts claim that grounding actually reduces body voltage and helps neutralize EMF stress rather than increasing it, acting as a shield against ambient EMFs. Studies using body voltmeters have shown that people connected to grounding products have significantly lower electric fields.

However, other sources suggest caution, particularly in indoor environments with high unshielded electrical loads, where the grounding cable could potentially pick up intermediate voltages and frequencies. In this context, it may be wise to reduce ambient electrical pollution (by unplugging unnecessary appliances, for example) before grounding.

Initial reactions and adjustment period

Some people may experience transient sensations when first using a grounding mat, such as tingling, mild fatigue, vivid dreams, or emotional changes. These reactions are usually short-lived and indicate that the body is adjusting and rebalancing. It is advisable to start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration of use if discomfort persists.

Precautions for specific medical conditions

Although generally safe, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before beginning grounding if you have any pre-existing health conditions. This is especially important if you are taking blood thinners, as grounding can potentially thin the blood. If you have a pacemaker, it is imperative to seek the advice of your doctor.

Thunderstorm Safety Tips

In the event of a thunderstorm, it is recommended to unplug grounding mats and any other Earthing devices as a general precaution against lightning.

In summary, grounding mats are a safe and beneficial way to connect with the Earth's natural energy, provided you take the necessary precautions with your electrical setup and listen to your body's reactions.