Road salt

Road salt is a type of salt used in winter maintenance to prevent ice from forming on road surfaces. The practice of spreading road salt is known as deicing.

History

The use of road salt for deicing dates back to the mid-20th century. Prior to this, sand and other abrasives were commonly used to provide traction on icy roads. However, these methods were found to be less effective at preventing ice formation than road salt.

Composition

Road salt is primarily composed of sodium chloride, the same type of salt used in cooking. However, it also contains other chemicals such as calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, which help to lower the freezing point of water more effectively than sodium chloride alone.

Use

Road salt is typically spread on roads before a snowstorm to prevent ice from forming. It works by lowering the freezing point of water, which prevents ice from forming on the road surface. This makes roads safer for driving during winter weather conditions.

Environmental impact

While road salt is effective at preventing ice formation, it can also have negative impacts on the environment. When the snow melts, the salt can run off into nearby bodies of water, increasing their salinity and potentially harming aquatic life. It can also seep into the ground and contaminate groundwater supplies.

Alternatives

Due to the environmental concerns associated with road salt, many areas are exploring alternatives. These include brine solutions, beet juice, and even cheese brine. These alternatives are thought to be less harmful to the environment, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and potential environmental impacts.

See also

• Winter service vehicle
• Snow removal
• Ice melt