Risk of salts for melting ice that you should be worried about
The thought of using salt to melt ice makes me cringe. No matter how much I like to have my sidewalks clear and safe for travel, I don’t want salt anywhere near my body. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that rock salts are toxic substances that can cause damage to our bodies and the environment if they’re not used properly.
Rock salt is toxic to animals and plants
Salt is toxic to plants and animals. Salt can kill small animals, like birds and insects, as well as large animals like deer, bears, and wolves. Salt can kill fish and aquatic life in ponds and lakes when the water becomes too salty for them to live in it.
Chloride has the potential to harm aquatic life. Chloride is an ionic salt that can cause hypoxia, which is a critical condition in which the fish’s tissues become deprived of oxygen. The chloride ions enter the cells of the gills, preventing them from absorbing oxygen from water. As a result, fish suffocate and die from hypoxia.
Safe Thaw
Safe Thaw was created as the ice management solution for tough winter environments. Ideal in commercial and industrial properties, shops, government agencies, bridges, and construction.
Salt Can Decimate Local Ecosystems
Salt is a toxic substance. It can kill plants and animals, including aquatic life and birds. Salt is also toxic to humans because it increases blood pressure and causes water retention, leading to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
If you see a large amount of salt on the ground or pools of saltwater near melting ice, be very careful when you go outside—the toxic substances in the salt could make you sick!
Salt Use Can Accelerate Corrosion Of Underground Metal Work
Salt use can accelerate the corrosion of underground metalwork. Salt is corrosive to copper, aluminum, and iron alloys, which are commonly used in the construction of above-ground piping systems. If you see rust or pitting on a pipe that was previously in contact with salt water, it’s likely that the salt is responsible for this damage.
Corrosion can also occur inside your car, if you use rock salt on your driveway. The road salt can leach into the ground, where it comes into contact with metal components like brake lines and exhausts. It causes corrosion that results in an unpleasant odor or visible signs of rust on your vehicle’s exterior when you drive it through puddles or wade through slushy snow banks after winter storms.
Salt Can Damage Your Concrete Driveway
Traditional rock salts can cause crumbles and cracks in your concrete driveway. To prevent this damage and keep your driveway looking great, ensure that you’re using the right ice melt. Then what is the safest ice melt for concrete?
Safe Thaw is a natural urea ice melt concrete friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable. Safe Thaw is a urea-modified product with special surfactants, glycols, ice melting boosters, and inhibitors. It reduces the risk of any injury caused by slipping, skidding, or falling on ice. The quick-acting ingredients are ideal for pre-application and post-application on snow and icy surfaces.
100% salt & chloride-free, fast acting Ice Management Solution
Conclusion
It’s easy to see why salt has been used for so long. It’s cheap, easy to find, and works well in most situations. However, there are many safer alternatives out there now that we have more information on the dangers of salt use. So if you want to keep yourself and your family safe from harm, consider looking into other eco-friendly options like Safe Thaw which is also urea ice melt concrete safe!
Try Also Our Other Winter Safety Products:
Safe Paw
The Original and #1 Selling Pet and Child Safe Ice Melt for over 20 years. Guaranteed environmentally safe –It won’t harm animals or children, and it won’t damage your property. That’s Safe Paw. Safe Paw can change how winter affects our planet.
Walk On Ice
The handy disposable canister can be taken everywhere, with the same 100% naturally occurring minerals that provide instant traction on ice or snow. Use it on sidewalks, steps, or as an instant traction agent for your car.