New York Times frets road-salt is ‘environmental pollutant’ with ‘damaging consequences’

The New York Times is calling for a new solution to reduce the use of salt to preserve the use of roadways during the winter months, citing growing research in claiming the substance is an “environmental pollutant” that has “damaging consequences.”

In a Friday piece headlined, “Road Salt Works. But It’s Also Bad for the Environment,” Times reporter Jenny Gross cited a number of experts in advocating for the use of alternative methods to combat the “damaging environmental and health consequences” for people, as well as wildlife, caused by salt on the roadways.

Pouring tons of salt on roads makes winter driving safer. It also has damaging environmental and health consequences, according to a growing body of research. https://t.co/yGInwH7UJR

— The New York Times (@nytimes) January 7, 2022

“As snowstorms sweep the East Coast of the United States this week, transportation officials have deployed a go-to solution for keeping winter roads clear: salt,” Gross wrote. “But while pouring tons of salt on roads makes winter driving safer, it also has damaging environmental and health consequences, according to a growing body of research.”

She added that as snow and ice melt from the roadways, the salt washes into nearby soil, lakes and streams, sometimes contaminating sources of drinking water and freshwater wildlife habitats because of high chloride levels. – READ MORE