Salt Hazards – Is Rock Salt Poisonous To Humans?

Typical warning label found on rock salt and salt-based ice melt products:

“Danger! Keep away from pets and children wear rubber gloves and goggles when using. Wash contaminated clothing and call doctor immediately if contact with eyes or ingested.”

A recent national survey shows that 60% of American households use rock salt and salt-based ice melt products during the cold winter months to reduce ice around the home. An alarming 62% of Americans are unaware of the health dangers associated with the use of these products on your children, pets, and property.

Rock salt, and other salt-based ice melters, contain sodium chloride or potassium chloride which can heat up to 175 degrees when exposed to water, ice, and low temperatures. Often these white pellets (crystals) sit on ice and snow surfaces for a long period before penetrating. This presents a danger to pets, children, surfaces, and the environment. There are safe alternatives such as Safe Paw.

Pet-Friendly Ice Melt

Is Rock Salt Toxic?

While salt is good at melting snow and ice, it poses some health concerns to humans and animals. There are other concerns you should be aware of, including corrosion and potential property damage. Here are some common disadvantages of using ice melting salt.

Children

Children come into contact with salt-based pellets while playing in the snow. These products can irritate eyes and accidentally ingesting them can cause stomach problems and kidney damage. Direct contact with the skin can lead to dermatitis, rashes, and blistering.

Pets

For dogs, in particular, exposure to salt-based ice melters can mean an unhealthy winter and unplanned trips to the veterinarian. The salts get frozen into the dog’s paws and fur.

When they are inside with higher temperatures, these salts can burn the skin causing ulcers and redness to tissue which can lead to bacterial infections. Dogs can also develop intestinal problems and inflammation of the stomach (gastritis) from licking the salt-based products off their paws.

Property

Salt residue left over from these products causes permanent damage to pavers, asphalt, concrete, wood decks, floors, and rugs. It later seeps into groundwater supplies or washes into lakes and streams and harms aquatic wildlife. Salt-based ice melters also erode soil, kill plants, burn grasses, and poison birds.

These are some of the dangers of using a snow melter salt around your property. But many times, we ignore these salt hazards when buying ice melt and end up dumping toxic chemicals around our kids, pets, and plants. 

Bulk Purchase With Safe Paw

Let’s talk about some alternatives to rock salt and see whether they are safe both for the environment and your concrete or not:

Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)

While Calcium magnesium acetate is kinder to the environment, its lower effectiveness in very cold temperatures means you might find yourself using more product to achieve the same results as more traditional methods. This can lead to increased costs and potential runoff issues.

Potassium Acetate

Potassium acetate is highly effective and works at lower temperatures, but its higher cost might not make it the best choice for everyone. Plus, despite being less harmful, it can still contribute to runoff issues if not used carefully.

Sand and Gravel

Sand and gravel provide great traction but do nothing to actually melt the ice. They can also lead to sediment accumulation in nearby waterways or storm drains, potentially creating blockages.

Beet Juice De-Icer

Beet juice de-icer is innovative and less corrosive, but it can be sticky and may require more frequent cleanup to prevent a messy residue. Its effectiveness can also vary based on conditions.

Brine

Using brine is a proactive approach, but it requires timing and foresight before the storm hits. It can also dilute and spread, reducing its effectiveness if not applied at the right time.

Calcium Chloride

Calcium chloride is a heavy hitter for ice melt but can cause skin irritation if you’re not careful during application. Its aggressive nature means it can also contribute to quicker deterioration of concrete over time.

Magnesium Chloride

While magnesium chloride is gentler than calcium chloride, it can still pose risks to pets and the environment when used in large quantities. Overuse can lead to damage to plants and potentially affect water quality due to runoff.

Amidst these options, don’t forget about Safe Paw. Safe Paw offers a chloride-free, acetate-free, salt-free, and environmentally friendly option that effectively melts ice without the downsides of traditional salts. It’s safe for pets, children, and concrete, ensuring that you can tackle winter conditions without any worry about damaging your driveway or harming the environment. Safe Paw provides a comprehensive solution that covers all bases – safety, effectiveness, and environmental responsibility.

Why Do We Need Safe Ice Melt?

Last winter, Diana shifted to a new neighborhood. She is a homeowner with two young kids and a dog. They enjoyed living in this green and pet-friendly community. Soon she became good friends with her neighbor and started sharing tips on kids and pets. 

Before winter arrived, Diana and her neighbor both got their ice melt solutions. Diana got herself an ice melt salt, whereas her neighbor opted for a natural salt-free ice melt. As the snow started falling, both the neighbors got busy spreading ice melt and making their premises free from snow and ice.

Ice accumulation on your driveway and walkways can lead to slip and fall accidents and can even damage the surfaces underneath due to freeze-thaw cycles.

During this period of snowfall, Diana’s children started complaining of rashes and itching. At the same time, her pet also suffered from an infection in its paws. That was a very trying period for her as she could not understand the cause behind these problems. 

She decided to consult her neighbor, who was a doctor. She told her,’ I do not know what happened to my kids and dog? They all were fine two days back but now both the kids have rashes and my pet has infected paws. Is it some allergy or a symptom of a disease?’

Gaia Enterprises Inc. delivers 100% pet-safe and environmentally friendly winter products. Safe Paw, our flagship product, is the #1 selling pet-safe ice melt that does not harm pets, safe if ingested, and safe on all types of concrete.

Her neighbor asked her about their last two days’ routine. Diana informed her that all three played in the snow for some time. Then she asked,’ Have you used any salt on ice?’ Diana told her that she has got salt for snow removal and has used it after the snowstorm. 

Her neighbor said,’ Do you know what does ice and salt do to your skin? They form a powerful brine solution that can melt ice but harm the kids. It can cause rashes and blistering. If salt goes in your eyes, it can lead to eye irritation.’

Diana then said,’ What happens if you eat rock salt?’ 

Her neighbor informed her that if a child ingests it by mistake, he needs immediate medical care, as it can cause stomach problems and kidney damage.’

Diana was appalled to know this. She then asked, ‘Is rock salt bad for dogs?’ At this, her neighbor told her that these salts are equally dangerous for pets. They can burn their skin, cause ulcers, redness, and intestinal problems if licked. She also told her that these salts can also kill her plants and can damage her concrete. Salt on ice is never a safe option for anyone.

Diana realized her mistake. She bought an ice melt that was cheap and readily available without going through its components and disadvantages. She promised herself that she will do her research before buying an ice melt.

What Did Diana Find In Her Research?

During the winter months, many salts are used to help with the removal of snow, slush, and ice from highways. Five of the most prevalent types utilized in deicing operations are as follows: 

Salt-Free Ice Melt

It is an environmentally friendly product that does not include salt. It can replace all of the salt ice melts. The environment will not be endangered by a product that does not contain salt. Here is how it works

• Spread it anywhere on the ice and snow you need to remove. 
• A deicing liquid is ejected from the crystal, speeding up the melting process. 
• It breaks down the molecular structure of ice and snow, preventing water molecules from rebuilding into ice crystals. 
• The granules drill through ice in 10 minutes, weakening it.

It has a unique combination of a crystalline amide core laced with magical glycols that are non-corrosive and non-toxic, and it uses a patented dual-effect compound. This combination makes it quick to act and accelerates the melting process. Not only is it safer, but it is also more effective than other rock salt options. It is a pellet-based alternative to rock salt and can cover more area. It does not damage concrete, brick, or wood structures, or roadways. Unlike other rock salt alternatives, it is of the highest quality and is environmentally friendly.

How To Buy A Safe Ice Melt?

1. Check the composition of the ice melt jar.

Do check the composition of your ice melt before purchasing it. By going through it, you will find out whether the ice melt contains any disastrous salts or not. The Safe Paw jar mentions

• Non-toxic safe if ingested
• Safe on paws, eyes, and skin
• Melts in sub-zero temps
• Safe on all decking materials

2. Research Online For The Product

Diana went through the product website and researched different ice melt brands. She read online reviews, read testimonials, and watched videos.

Most of the reviews were in favor of natural salt-free ice melt. 

According to one review, salt-free natural ice melt is better for the environment and animals. There is only one planet for us and we all should keep it healthy. This ice melt is also safe to use on asphalt driveways and pathways. 

Unlike most ice melters that claim to be safe for pets and concrete, brick, and other hard surfaces, another customer claims that this all-natural product is safe for all of these. There is no salt in it, not even rock salt. 

Despite the statements on the label of most rock salts, especially those advertised as pet safe, it is not safe for dogs or concrete. One of the proud pet owners admits that this ice melt helps her save time and trouble while keeping her kids and pets safe. She can let her kids and dogs play in the snow without worrying about any harmful chemicals.

3. Check Safety Regulations

On the site of a very popular ice melt, Diana found out that it completes all the safety regulations and has been recognized by various authorities.

It contains no salt and is suitable for children and pets. It has garnered several major awards for being safe for people, pets, and the environment. 

1. Governmental awards in the United States 

2.Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA) Green Product Seal of Approval for family-friendly and effective products https://www.ptpamedia.com/services/parent-tested-parent-approved-seal-of-approval/ 

3. Inclusion in the Whole Green Catalog – 1000 Best Things for the Earth http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20428277,00.html 

Pediatricians, veterinarians, wildlife experts, groomers, animal shelters, and humane organizations all endorse it.

4. Choose Wisely

First and foremost, not every product on the market is safe for you and your concrete since some manufacturers offer snowmelt that contains chemicals or salts that are potentially harmful to kids, pets, plants, and concrete. 

Such compounds are hazardous for your and your family’s well-being. They can damage the surface and possibly produce fissures, especially if the concrete is brand new. Selecting a product that is safe for all and suitable for concrete is critical. It is also worth noting that these products hurt not just the surface but also the environment. 

Get an ice melt that is salt-free and safe. It will not only keep you safe but also keep nearby plants alive without polluting the water bodies. Best ice melt means safe families with fewer injuries and better ecological balance.

You can get your salt-free natural ice melt from any nearby store or can order it online.

Conclusion

You need to take care of your household this winter but do make sure to take care of your neighbors as well. As Diana was helped by her neighbor in her moment of crisis, the same way, we all can help each other. We can work together to ensure a healthy environment for ourselves, kids, and pets. Start preparing early for winters and consult experts beforehand. You can also talk to the ice melt manufacturer for a demo or call them for technical help. 

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