Since we are still under several feet of snow here at National Geographic headquarters in Washington, DC, with more snow on the way, now is as good a time as any to talk about the chemicals used to de-ice the roads.
The most commonly used, and least expensive, de-icing chemical is sodum chloride (or rock salt), which is the same salt you use on your food. Millions of tons of salt are poured on roadways around the country, but where all that salt goes after the snow has melted has garnered more attention recently.
Once the snow melts, the salt dissolves and the chloride ions end up in soil and water, affecting everything from the bacteria in the soil to trees, large mammals, birds, fish, and possibly humans.
Only a small increase in the chloride content of soil can kill off important bacteria that help break down plant matter, which can change soil fertility and erosion properties.
Pine trees are especially sensitive to increased chloride levels, and plants that can tolerate higher chloride levels, like cattails, can move in and choke out other native species.
Birds can't distinguish between pebbles, which they require to digest their food, and salt grains, and some studies suggest that swallowing a few large road salt grains can be fatal. Larger animals, like deer, elk, and moose, like to lick the salt off the roads, which puts them at increased risk to be hit by traffic.
Once the salty runoff hits freshwater streams and lakes, it can disrupt oxygen absorption in the water, and stress fish and aquatic creatures that live on the bottom of streams and ponds. The melting caused by the salt can also lift toxic chemicals and sediment off roadways into the water system.
Road salt has little effect on human health, but it is sometimes possible to taste a little salt in your drinking water after a winter of heavy salting. Increased salt intake can cause hypertension (high blood pressure) or make it worse. Most human inconveniences come from corrosion the salt causes on vehicles, bridges, and structural steel.
Other, more environmentally safe options have popped up as alternatives to rock salt. Calcium Magnesium Acetate is less harmful to the environment and works at lower temperatures. Urea, a fertilizer, can also be used and it will actually help plants, as does potassium chloride to some extent (although chloride ions still end up in the environment). A product called SafePaw has been selected by the Vancouver Olympic Committee to be used as an environmentally-safe deicer in its sensitive mountain ecosystems. And, finally, Missouri is using a mixture of rock salt and beet juice to keep roads clear.
--James Robertson 
What Others Had to Say
Added by The Window Man on February 11, 2010
Interesting article. The question comes to mind: "Can we do anything right?" It is beautiful how ecological our world really is. How can we live without destroying? These questions fail to be asked before we move forward with action day in and day out. We really do need strict regulation, more studies, and more implementation, of literally everything...whatever this means.
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Added by Shivanu Bhatnagar on March 11, 2010
Many are interested in de icying their roads but this world needs more and more ice.
Temperature is increasing very fast and we are able to do nothing to prevent it.
I have an idea by which i can reduce GLOBAL WARMING but i am looking for a person who can help me in implementing it.
Added by Linda on May 28, 2010
A nice and informative post. Yet Urea can in turn have adverse effects when consumed. Calcium magnesium acetate is a better option as of now.
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Added by Greg on May 31, 2010
Urea sounds like a good alternative.. not to mention that rock salt also destroys the roads themselves.. so overal it's just a dumb choice.. although I'm sure it's probably the cheapest
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Added by chrise on May 31, 2010
What about doing it the old-fashioned way - scooping it off the road mechanically. Sarova Lion Hill
Added by floor1 on June 2, 2010
This is a great and use full post. even if it looks much colder there then we got here. anyway usefull if the temps goes down. Pete who loves Arcade Games
Added by Linda on June 2, 2010
Great choice Chrise!! Yet you really feel we can try it out in the old-fashion? Time and man power constraints wouldn’t permit it is what I feel!!
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Added by mpbennett47 on June 4, 2010
Thank you so much for sharing this blog. I never knew about this before not until I read it now. Thanks! rid lice
Added by gmorgan59 on June 5, 2010
What an eye opener and a big surprise. Didn't realize something like road salt could have such a dramatic effect on our environment and animals. This is done all over US and Canada, we need to stop using salt immediately. Kelowna Hotels | Kamloops Hotels
Added by Colin on June 7, 2010
I also didn't realize something like road salt could have such a dramatic effect on our environment and animals.Thanks for your introduction.Bearings
Added by karin79 on June 9, 2010
yeah.. well.. you know local governments will always go the cheap way until the public raises a substantial stink.. so the message needs to get out..
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Added by DanMike on June 14, 2010
Wow I had no clue that left such a great impact on our environment.
Added by DanMike on June 14, 2010
It's just crazy to think of all of the little things like this that we do everyday and it's killing our earth. The planet is not meant to be able to handle this kind of abuse. electric furnace pricesIt's just not right but sometimes people ask "what can we do about it"? Well that's actually a very easy question to answer: ANYTHING. play poker online Seriously, you don't have to change the world by any stretch of imagination, just take part in the change. Support local projects that you agree with and buy products only from companies with your same mindset. backlinksJust take action!
Added by bartodeo on June 16, 2010
Thank you so much for sharing this blog. I never knew about this before not until I read it now.
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Added by inter4522 on June 16, 2010
I think this is the best and safest way to clean snow of the roads. I do not see many other options for it.
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Added by laura44 on June 17, 2010
This is great information. It's funny how science can help us in the day to day living ;p Scrabble Solver
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What about doing it the old-fashioned way - scooping it off the road mechanically.
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Added by John on July 2, 2010
A recent studies explored that the melting caused by the salt can also lift toxic chemicals and sediment off roadways into the water system.
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I agree with John :)
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Added by monique on July 17, 2010
De-icing is critical for the roads in winter, but they just have to make sure the de-icing chemicals is safe for animals and plants. doctor recommendations
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Yeah this past winter was horrible. I am glad that I live in Florida.
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I agree, how can we currently distinguish between salt and peddles? Would it help to make one in color, or give it a sent?
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