Calcium chloride is a compound that consists of the elements calcium and chlorine in defined proportions. Calcium chloride is a salt, which means its composition includes positive cations and negative anions. It is commonly found in its anhydrous form and has as white flake or pellet appearance. Anhydrous is defined as without water. Calcium chloride is used in a variety of industries for many different common uses.
Melting Snow and Ice
Ice and snow accumulate on streets and sidewalks during the cold months, posing a threat to both drivers and pedestrians alike. There are a variety of salts that will melt snow and ice but not all are healthy for the environment. Sand can be used to provide traction, but is messy and does not melt ice.. Calcium chloride is a safe alternative to environmentally harmful salts an sand. The City of Cambridge, MA advises that calcium chloride and potassium chloride are both acceptable salts to use to melt ice and snow.
Reducing Dust on Gravel Roads
Gravel roads located in areas of low humidity will produce more dust that areas with higher humidity or more moisture in the air, creating hazardous road conditions. The United States Environmental Protection Agency splits up chlorides, as they are applied to dust suppression, into three categories: calcium chloride, magnesium chloride and sodium chloride. Calcium chloride is applied to gravel roads in solid or liquid form to reduce the formation of dust.
Electrolyte Supplementation
An electrolyte is an ionic compound. When an electrolyte is introduced to a solvent, typically water, it splits up into positive cations and negative anions. When an individual has an imbalance of electrolytes in her body, they can be intravenously given by a physician to correct the imbalance. The National Institutes of Health has found that calcium chloride when given intravenously helps maintain normal cellular metabolism. Metabolism is a process where cells function within the human body to sustain life.
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