Calcium chloride is a simple chemical compound that has a white, granular appearance, according to Drugs.com. It is immediately water soluble and has no detectable odor. Although it is most commonly known for its ability to melt snow and ice, this compound has a variety of industrial, manufacturing and medical uses.
Winter Safety
Calcium chloride is used to melt snow and ice from sidewalks, driveways and roads. Although it is not as commonly used as sodium chloride ("rock salt"), it is more effective. According to Tim Carter of Ask the Builder, sodium chloride stops melting ice and snow at about 16 to 20 degrees F, while calcium chloride keeps working in temperatures well below 0 degrees F. Carter cautions, though, that heavy concentrations of calcium chloride will attack and damage concrete.
Hypocalcemia
Calcium chloride is a treatment for patients with hypocalcemia, which is an abnormally low level of calcium in the bloodstream. In many cases, hypocalcemia stems from a vitamin D deficiency, poor kidney function or hypoparathyroidism, according to Princeton University. A 10 percent calcium chloride injection may be appropriate for patients who need rapid calcium increases, says Drugs.com.
Construction
Calcium chloride is added to concrete mixes to speed setting in cold weather, according to CalciumChloride.com. Accelerated setting helps keep winter construction projects on schedule. It can also be mixed with sodium silicate to make loose, sandy soils more solid.
Construction crews sometimes partially fill vehicle tires with water to improve traction--in cold weather, calcium chloride will reduce the freezing temperature of this water.
Paper Recycling
According to CalciumChloride.com, paper recycling operations use calcium chloride to help remove ink from used paper. It works with fatty acid soaps to separate the ink from the paper fibers, and helps keep the inks from re-attaching to the paper during the recycling process.
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