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Corrosion threat from de-icing salts and road salts

Corrosion threat from de-icing salts and road salts

For regions that experience snow, ice, and freezing rain during the winter months, de-icing salts are a common method of keeping roads safe. However, numerous studies over the years have shown that road salts are dangerous for the environment. The chemical composition of the salts used for deicing can include sodium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride, and magnesium chloride. When these small compounds are released into the environment, they can upset the existing balance of the ecosystem and affect the wildlife and plant life that reside there.

To see the damage road salts can cause, one only has to look at the corrosion they can cause to buildings and architecture. The evidence of corrosion by sea salt is so compelling that the damage caused is often compared to the corrosion of coastal architecture caused by natural sea salt. Buildings that are located in coastal regions experience corrosion due to the copious amounts of sea salts released into the air and carried by wind, rain, or traffic. Basically, that means that comparing the climate and humidity in an area where road de-icing salts are used with a coastal region provides a true model of how much damage results from the use of road salts.

The damage is also not limited to architecture and buildings close to where the salts have been used. Moving vehicles, and especially heavy vehicles, cause salt mist to form in the air. These mists consist of salt water or dry particles that, depending on the environmental factors involved, can travel up to 1.2 miles from the treated area. In some studies, road salt particles were reported to be present up to the 59th floor of buildings.

However, de-icing the roads is essential in many regions. Ice-related road and business closures can have significant economic impact and costs. Between 13.6 and 18 million metric tons (or between 15 and 20 million tons) of de-icing salts are used in the United States alone each year, reports TMR Consulting. In Canada, 3.6 to 4.5 million metric tons (4 to 5 million tons) are used per year. 70% of highways and populated areas in the United States experience snow, ice, or freezing rain during the winter months. Considering the size of the geographic area that requires road de-icing, the negative impact of using road salts is multiplied.

Despite compelling evidence of the negative impact on the environment, the use of road de-icing salts continues to grow. Even ‘sunbelt’ cities and towns store salt in case of freezing rains. De-icing salts are the most economical option for keeping roads safe during the winter months, but their negative implications for the environment should not be forgotten.

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