Controlling Dust

Noticeable corrosion is unlikely to occur on vehicles driven on unpaved surfaces treated with calcium chloride. However, calcium chloride for dust suppression is present in small amounts and can stay bound in the soil in the road. Therefore, it is recommended to wash vehicles and equipment if you suspect the vehicle has encountered calcium chloride.

When following application recommendations, calcium chloride will not damage grass or vegetation adjacent to a surface being deiced. If deicers are overapplied or applied directly to grass or vegetation, damage can occur regardless of deicer type used. 

For additional information, see Deicers Environmental Impact.

A 2008 study by researchers at Colorado State University¹ and a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service² concluded that the impact of magnesium chloride is no less than other chlorides.

The chloride content of liquid material is determined by the concentration of the solution, and the molecular weight of the salt. For example, a 30% solution of magnesium chloride has about the same chloride content as a 35% calcium chloride solution.

Equally important in determining environmental impact is the application rate of the product. A more concentrated product can achieve the same results at lower application rates. While magnesium chloride is commercially available in 30% solutions, LIQUIDOW® is typically applied at concentrations of 35% or 38% for dust control and road base stabilization applications, which means less calcium chloride may be required to achieve the same result. 

For additional information, see calcium chloride vs. magnesium chloride.

¹Condition of Soils and Vegetation Along Roads Treated with Magnesium Chloride for Dust Suppression, B.A. Goodrich, R.D Koski, and W.R. Jacobi, March, 2008.

²Dust Palliative Selection and Application Guide, USDA Forest Service, P. Bolander and A. Yamada, November, 1999.