Alternative Materials for Ice Removal

Calcium Chloride Acetate (CMA)

• CMA is less corrosive than salt and safe for use around a family home with children and pets. It is safe to handle and does not cause corrosion in pavement. According the the Kissner Salts website, CMA biodegrades into C02 and H20, so it is safe for the environment. It does not freeze and requires fewer applications. Since it does not have calcium or magnesium in it, CMA does not contribute to water hardness, either.

Urea

• Urea is a chemical found in fertilizer. It can cause burns on plant life and will be harmful to pets if ingested. It is commonly used on airports and elevated walkways where chloride cannot be used. Urea can cause algae to grow by releasing nitrates into the ground and thus the water. It melts ice at 15 degrees F, giving it a slight upper hand to salt.

Calcium Chloride

• Calcium Chloride is helpful is cold temperatures, as low as -25 F. It is costly and can be corrosive to metal and harmful to pets' paws. It can be expensive but will melt ice in the coldest of locales.

Liquid Ice Melt

• Liquid Ice Melt has been tested by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers and is safe for use around children and pets. It is non-corrosive, does not freeze over and improves traction when it dries. It can be used in temperature as low as -85 F. Commonly used by highway departments, it keeps snow and ice from sticking to the road.