Products That Melt Ice

Water becomes ice at 32 degrees Fahrenheit and 0 degrees Celsius, which is called the freezing point. It is possible to melt ice by adding certain substances, such as salt, which have the power of lowering the freezing point of water. The higher the concentration of these substances on ice, the lower the freezing point. In addition to salt, fertilizers and alcohols are also used to melt ice.

Salt

• Sodium chloride (NaCl) or common salt is the most popular ice-melting product because it is cheap and readily available. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, common salt is effective to melt ice only above 15 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, sodium can accumulate in the soil, impeding root development, while chloride can become a pollutant when used in excess.

Urea and Ammonium Nitrate

• Ammonium nitrate and urea are fertilizers that can also be used for melting ice. The main side effect of using fertilizer on roads to melt ice is that they are corrosive to steel, causing damage to vehicles. Ammonium nitrate and urea used in excess can also damage roots, says the Missouri Department of Conservation. Although urea does not damage concrete as ammonium nitrate does, it is a more expensive product.

Alcohols

• Alcohols can also reduce the freezing point of water, thus melting ice. Ethylene glycol is a component of many antifreeze products. It is a toxic substance to pets, especially cats, says "The Cat Fanciers' Association." A teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat while less than four teaspoons can kill a 10-pound dog.