Ice happens. In many areas of the country, like where we are in Maryland, a lot of ice happens. Unfortunately, in the course of preventing injuries, and even deaths, from the effects of that ice, the environment sometimes takes quite a beating. Most deicer chemicals are not very environmentally friendly ice melt options. When you’re in charge of ordering supplies for a professional ice and snow removal company, you probably don’t have time to do the extensive research necessary to find ice melt products that are environmentally friendly, work well, and are still cost-effective. Fortunately, we have a line of environmentally friendly ice melt chemicals available.
Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)
Calcium Magnesium Acetate ice melt is chloride-free, and no more corrosive than ordinary tap water, plus it is effective down to 15 °F (although it works best above 20 °F). It’s one of the safest de-icers for use on concrete. Since it’s environmentally benign, biodegradable, and doesn’t contaminate ground water or burn foliage, it’s safer for people, animals, and plants than products which contain chlorides making it a popular choice for environmentally friendly ice melt. In 1992, the Policy Analysis and Management estimated that switching from sodium chloride to CMA in the state of New York would save nearly $700 per ton in damages; the savings would far outweigh the significantly higher initial cost of the product. Because of its residual effect, it may even require fewer applications – thus saving wear and tear on equipment, producing fewer emissions, and freeing up manpower.
Sodium Acetate (NaAc)
Like calcium chloride, NaAc works quickly; unlike calcium chloride, it’s not corrosive and is another good option for an environmentally friendly ice melt. This long-lasting deicer is the sodium salt of acetic acid; because it’s exothermic, the resultant heat helps melt the ice faster and it’s effective down to 0 °F. NaAc is harmless to concrete and is sometimes even used as a concrete sealant. It’s also used in medicine and even added to food as a seasoning; a mixture of sodium acetate and acetic acid is used to flavor salt & vinegar potato chips!
To learn more about the wide range of products we carry that can make your job as an ice melt manager easier, check out Snow & Ice Salt & Chemicals Unlimited, LLC.