Calcium Chloride is one of the most popular deicing agents used by snow removal and ice management experts globally. It works similarly to Sodium Chloride, or rock salt, but offers some key benefits. These include the ability to melt ice at lower temperatures, and posing less of a risk to plant life.
As with all deicing agents, however, there are questions to be answered about safety. Every company taking steps to prevent snow build-up and ice formation on their property should understand the properties of the deicing agents used, and any potential safety issues they might present.
At Earth Development, we provide businesses throughout the Midwest with reliable and professional deicing and snow removal services, but we also aim to provide valuable information for readers on our site.
Does Calcium Chloride Pose a Risk to Humans and Animals?

Calcium Chloride is often used in food, though in small quantities. It is a compound safe for human consumption and helps food keep its color while adding a salty flavor. The compound is also often found in bottled waters, meaning it technically poses no risk to human or animal life.
This may change depending on how much you use. Pure Calcium Chloride can burn or irritate the skin, which is why professional snow removal experts are a fantastic investment during the winter. Touching Calcium Chloride that has been applied to your outdoor surfaces may cause unpleasant irritation, so it’s always best to avoid doing that.
Is Calcium Chloride Environmentally Safe?
Calcium Chloride is a popular alternative to regular Sodium Chloride as it tends to present less of a risk to plant life. That doesn’t mean that the compound itself doesn’t change the pH levels of soil, but simply that less of it is needed to achieve the same effects as with Sodium Chloride.
Thanks to its greater efficiency, and ability to melt snow and ice at lower temperatures, Calcium Chloride is effective in smaller quantities – giving expert snow removers the chance to protect plant life surrounding your parking lots, pavements, and entryways.
This compound also causes less damage to your concrete, which is an added benefit. Sodium Chloride is notoriously harsh on concrete, but with the perfect quantities of Calcium Chloride applied to your parking lots and pavements, you can stay on top of ice formation this winter without causing corrosion and wear on vulnerable concrete or mortar.
So Should I Use Calcium Chloride On My Property?

Sure! Calcium Chloride is hugely popular, particularly with businesses in parts of the country that see temperatures drop well below freezing.
Sometimes, a mixture of Calcium Chloride and Sodium Chloride is a great option, too. It provides all the benefits of Calcium Chloride with the affordability advantage of Sodium Chloride.
Asking local snow removal experts is the best way to decide which agent is right for you.
Trust Snow Removal Experts With a Range Of Deicing Agents
When you’re choosing a snow removal company, always check to see the kinds of deicing agents they use. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, which is why our Earth Development teams across the Midwest and beyond provide custom plans for every customer.
For the highest quality service, choose a snow removal company with the highest quality and safest ingredients.
Call Earth Development today and we’ll be glad to talk to you about your needs, connect you with our local experts, and even offer you a free quote!