Rock salt, also known as sodium chloride, is the cheapest and most commonly used product. But it’s not great for the environment and it’s not the most effective option out there.
“There’s a chart we reference that’s chemical effectiveness at certain temperatures. And really, when you get to about 15 degrees or colder, you can keep applying more and more rock salt and it’s not going to do any more than it already does,” said Martin Tirado, CEO of the Snow and Ice Management Association, a trade group for industry professionals.
In those conditions, other products — calcium chloride, magnesium chloride — release heat that helps the salt work better, Tirado said.
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As much of the Upper Midwest prepares for rapidly dropping subzero temperatures, [AP reports](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/big-snow-ice-blow-most-041858529.html):
Rock salt, also known as sodium chloride, is the cheapest and most commonly used product. But it’s not great for the environment and it’s not the most effective option out there.
“There’s a chart we reference that’s chemical effectiveness at certain temperatures. And really, when you get to about 15 degrees or colder, you can keep applying more and more rock salt and it’s not going to do any more than it already does,” said Martin Tirado, CEO of the Snow and Ice Management Association, a trade group for industry professionals.
In those conditions, other products — calcium chloride, magnesium chloride — release heat that helps the salt work better, Tirado said.