If you are researching deicers that are environmentally safe, be sure Sodium Acetate biodegradable ice melt is on your list. It is a highly effective deicing product, that even meets FAA specifications for use at airports. It is an exothermic, solid deicer which comes in a white or gray spherical pellet. Sodium Acetate is safer for the environment than many other products because it is biodegradable and is not chloride based.
How Sodium Acetate Works
Sodium Acetate (NAAC) is active at temperatures as low as 0°F, so not a good solution for extreme cold but it’s worth considering for most winter weather. It can be applied with the same equipment that is used to apply urea. The fact that it has exothermic properties, meaning it gives off heat, makes it work quickly. Its solid state allows it to last longer than some other products, which also makes it more cost-effective and better for the environment. The pellet structure sticks to the road surface well and spreads uniformly. Being a product that is not chloride based means that it will not cause corrosion of metal on bridges and roadways.
Environmentally Safe Ice Melt
NAAC is biodegradable and non-persistent, “The organic matter of the deicer can be readily degraded microbiologically in the natural environment.” It has been shown to have low impact on aquatic life and roadside vegetation. In fact, in low concentration, it can even act as a fertilizer, “promoting the yield of biomass.”
Deicers that are used at airports have to meet high standards. Not only is it crucial for maintaining flight schedule it is also vital to ensure the safety of employees, passengers and even airport security. Airport officials have to consider the cost and environmental impact of a product. Bill Korte is the Airfield Administrator at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport said, “We used NAAC (solid sodium acetate anhydrous) on our elevated ramps, drives and sidewalks in front of the terminals from the beginning of the storm event.” Applying deicers at the beginning of the storm is a key step in using them effectively. It gives the product the advantage in combating ice quickly and continuously.
At Snow & Ice Salt & Chemicals Unlimited, LLC we strive to provide you the best information and high quality products for ice melt and snow removal. We are open and fully supplied 24/7. We are here day and night when you need winter salt, shovels, or ice melt chemicals with 3 locations in Maryland to serve you. Our customers come from Washington DC, Baltimore, Virginia and Southern Pennsylvania to pick up quality ice melt and salt. Contact us today for more information.