I found this very informative article on Angie's List. Definitely worth re-posting!
Rock salt is used to remove ice and snow from concrete surfaces during winter. Many American households use it to melt ice. Rock salt can pose hazards to human beings, pets, and even property. The risk is even greater when the compound is used in large quantities.
THE DANGERS OF ROCK SALT
Just like most salt-based ice melters, rock salt contains either potassium chloride or sodium chloride. When exposed to ice, low temperatures, and water, these two compounds can reach temperatures of up to 175 degrees. In most cases, the white pellets sit on snow and ice for considerable time before penetrating.
This poses a hazard to plant and animal life, human beings, and property. The following are common salt rock dangers that homeowners may encounter:
1. Rock Salt Ingestion
This is one of the more common rock salt dangers. Pets have the tendency of licking their paws. Once they step on rock salt, they are likely to lick their paws. In doing so, they directly ingest the compound.
This leads to disorders such as diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, extreme fatigue, unusual drooling and disorientation. Salt burns may also occur in the gastro-intestinal tract. Sodium toxicosis (salt poisoning) is also common among pets that have ingested rock salt.
2. Salt Burns to Pet Paws
When pets walk on surfaces that have rock salt, crystals may get attached to the animals’ paw pads thus causing irritation or burning. This may eventually lead to soreness, inflammation, or bacterial infection. While rock salt also gets into contact with fur and can cause burns in other parts of a pet’s body, it mostly affects the paws.
3. Harms a Home's Surfaces and Surrounding Environments
Products that are used to melt ice typically leave behind a salt residue, which may build up and cause permanent damage to asphalt, pavements, wood decks and floors. Keep this in mind when laying down salt this winter.
In addition, rock salt may scorch plants if applied on surfaces that are close to vegetated areas. When applied in large quantities, rock salt may find its way into groundwater supplies, thus harming aquatic animals and even human beings.
4. Dangers to Humans
Just as it is the case with pets, rock salt causes burns when it comes into contact with the skin. It similarly causes respiratory tract irritation when inhaled. Repeated exposure may be fatal since it corrodes major components of the respiratory tract, but this is extremely rare.
HOW TO MITIGATE ROCK SALT DAMAGES
Certain measures can be taken to mitigate the harmful effects of rock salt. Homeowners ought to ensure that they use the correct type of salt rock, which is ideal for their ice melting needs. In addition, the compound should be used in the recommended quantities.
When applying rock salt, appropriate protective gear should be worn. These include eyewear, gloves, and boots. To prevent rock salt damage to unintended structures and vegetation, spreaders that have guards should be used when applying it on surfaces.
Caution needs to be exercised because rock salt is hygroscopic in nature. Therefore, it pulls moisture from the skin. Rock salt should also be stored away from air, moisture, and sunlight. Storing it in airtight containers is equally recommended since it minimizes the risk of accidental contact with the skin.
Pet owners should minimize dog walks during winter because it lowers the risk of their pets ingesting or stepping on the compound. If the pets absolutely need to be taken out for a walk, owners should ensure that they do not drink from puddles of rock salt brine.
SAFER ALTERNATIVE TO ROCK SALT
I, PERSONALLY, use a WONDERFUL alternative to rock salt! It's called SAFE PAW ICE MELTER and I order it online. It's safe for children AND pets and will not burn their paws and is safe if accidentally ingested. I LOVE IT!!!
And if you need to find the perfect home to enjoy your children and your pets, please contact me, Karen Borden, your North Alabama Real Estate Professional. My team & I will be happy to find you that perfect home!
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