-What are the main benefits of CMA? Return to top
-Low corrosion: unlike calcium chloride, CMA is not corrosive and is actually less corrosive than tap water
-Safe for concrete: CMA is the safest deicer for concrete and will not cause corrosion
-Safe for children & pets: does not require protective gloves to handle and does not harm skin
-Environmentally safe: CMA biodegrades to CO2 and H20, has very low toxicity levels and is safe for vegetation
-Residual effect: requires fewer applications and lasts long
-Resists freezing
-Why was CMA developed? Return to top
There has long been a concern for damage to the environment and to structures like bridges and parking garages caused by chloride de-icers. In the 1970’s, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) identified calcium magnesium acetate as the only low-corrosion chemical alternative to road salt that also protected the environments. Years of research and field applications have proven CMA is no more corrosive than tap water and does not harm vegetation or receiving waters.
-Does CMA affect the environment? Return to top
When absorbed into the soil, CMA’s calcium and magnesium components benefit the soil structure; just as liming a garden improves permeability. The acetate portion of CMA biodegrades naturally into CO2 and H20.
-Does CMA cause corrosion on roads, bridges, parking garages, etc.? Return to top
No significant corrosion of steel, aluminium, or concrete has been found in repeated tests with CMA -sponsored by the FHWA, states, and private researchers.
-Is there government awareness of CMA? Return to top
In 1991, Congress passed the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) providing states with 80% reimbursement for use of CMA on bridges, overpasses and approaches.
-What are the environmental impact differences between deicing salt with CMA and deicing salt with Calcium Chloride pellets? Return to top
Environmental Impact |
CMA |
Calcium Chloride Ice Melters |
| Soils |
Biodegradable in soil. No adverse effect on soil compaction and strength. Increases soil permeability. |
Chloride may accumulate in soil. Breaks down soil structure, increases erosion. Causes soil compaction, which decreases permeability. |
| Vegetation |
Little or no adverse effect. May stimulate plant growth. Acetate ion is the most abundant organic acid metabolite found in nature. |
Osmotic stress and soil compaction harm root systems. Spray causes foliage dehydration damage. Many plant species are salt sensitive. |
| Groundwater |
Poor mobility in soil, unlikely to reach groundwater. Calcium and Magnesium increases water hardness. |
Mobile Sodium and Chlorine ions readily reach groundwater. Increases Sodium and Chlorine concentrations in well water along with alkalinity and hardness. |
| Surface Water |
Potential for oxygen depletion through biological oxygen demand (BOD) at concentrations greater then 100 ppm in closed systems. Decomposes in 5 days at 20°C, 10 days at 10°C, 100 days at 2° C. Will not stimulate algae growth. |
Causes density stratification in ponds and lakes, which can prevent reoxygenation. Increases runoff of heavy metals and nutrients through increased erosion. |
