Road salt prohibited? It's really that dangerous

De-icing salt is very efficient in removing snow and ice, but it is also dangerous for the environment and therefore even partially prohibited. In this article you will find out what you should definitely consider when using road salt.

Partially prohibited: This environmental damage can result from road salt

As soon as the first snow falls, you are legally obliged to clear the sidewalk in front of your house. It doesn't matter which means you use.

• For a long time, the generous use of road salt was the first choice - and for good reason. Due to its nature, the road salt ensures that the snow melts even at temperatures in the minus range and that no dangerous slippery forms on the sidewalk.
• Over time, however, it was found that the inflationary use of road salt in snowy winters is very detrimental to the environment, since road salt consists of over 90 percent sodium chloride.
• The road salt that has penetrated into the soil can lead to compaction and a reduction in the oxygen content. The growth of the roots is disturbed or even completely blocked and the salty water deposits chlorides in the shoots and leaves. Unusual leaf discoloration and bare crowns during the summer months are a clear sign of the damage.
• The trees can no longer absorb enough water and are considerably hampered in their growth. Numerous microorganisms also have no chance of survival in the acidified soil.
• In addition, the road salt can get into the groundwater and damage the road surface considerably.
• On buildings, the top layer can flake off and in car bodies, contact with road salt can lead to corrosion, which ultimately leads to rust on the car.

Expensive penalties for disregard: these are the alternatives to road salt

The handling of dangerous road salt is not regulated uniformly nationwide. However, where use is prohibited, there is a risk of significant fines, which can amount to up to 10, 000 euros.

• In Hamburg and Munich, for example, you are generally not allowed to use road salt. In many other large cities such as Stuttgart, Berlin, Cologne or Bremen, the use of road salt is only permitted in absolute exceptional cases or in extreme weather conditions.
• You can find out to what extent the use of road salt is approved in your municipality from your regulatory office.
• It is much more environmentally friendly to simply clear the snow with the snow shovel. As long as the snow has not hardened, it can be pushed aside relatively easily and quickly. This also prevents dangerous slippery surfaces.
• Instead of road salt, sprinkle sand, granules or ashes on the sidewalk so that nobody slips on ice.
• CHIP tip: snow clearing - you need to know that