Now for the deicers themselves. Of course, any chemical ice melter can harm the environment if used excessively. Sodium chloride or rock salt is the most commonly used deicer. It melts snow and ice very efficiently, it's cheap, but it's also somewhat limited in its performance capability in very cold temperatures. According to Alexander Mathews, a professor of civil engineering at Kansas State University, it can also shorten the life span of concrete pavement, highway infrastructure, and cars, from corrosion.
Increased salinity can alter species balance and stratification and seasonal mixing of lakes.
Soil permeability is reduced, and the increased salt concentration will affect growth of plant species and diversity. Also, salt is known to increase the mobility of heavy metals such as lead in soils. Insofar as wildlife goes, Kirchner says that he knows of instances where the kill rate of deer on highways is higher because they've been drawn to the road to lick the salt. Potassium chloride and urea are fertilizers commonly used in combating snow and ice. As fertilizers, they are perceived frequently as being safe alternatives to use near vegetation.