Safe Chemicals for Snow Removal From Sidewalks

Calcium Magnesium Acetate

• Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) is a salt alternative. Made from dolomitic limestone and acetic acid, CMA has been in use by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration since the late 1970s, according to Peter's Chemical Company. It comes in granular form and is supposed to be much less corrosive than other chemicals. One benefit to using CMA is that it may be used in multiple ways. You can use it alone or mixed with salt or sand, and you can use the grains or dissolve them to make a spray. Although CMA is probably the safest option for vegetation and concrete, it is effective only to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit. It thus may not be of much help in the dead of winter unless you apply it in the warmest part of the day, especially in states known for cold weather like Minnesota.

Potassium Acetate

• Potassium acetate is the same chemical used in some fire extinguishers to smother burning oils. As a deicer and snow remover, potassium acetate is able to work at lower temperatures than CMA, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. It is the chemical preferred on runways in place of other deicers like urea. Potassium acetate works best in liquid form as a pre-wetting agent, according to All-Safe Supply and Equipment. It thus is a good chemical to apply to prevent snow and ice from re-accumulating once you've already cleared the sidewalk.

Magnesium Chloride

• The Can Melt Packaging website explains that magnesium chloride can melt snow and ice in temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit; the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) asserts the working temperature for magnesium chloride is 10 degrees on the surface of the road or sidewalk. MDT also reports that this chemical has been found to be relatively harmless to plants and the environment. The Arizona Department of Transportation asserts this chemical is less toxic than baking soda or salt. However, because magnesium chloride can leave a residue on surfaces, refreezes quickly and is exothermic, it's better used as part of a mixed solution.