Those that are as effective as salt are too expensive and have limited availability. Some have a very detrimental effect on the environment and on pavements. The alternatives include other deicing chemicals, pavement heating systems, mobile thermal deicing systems and mechanical equipment. Abrasives are often cited as practical alternatives, but they have limitations. Disadvantages of abrasives are that they cannot melt snow and ice, offer only temporary traction, are covered up by new snow, large quantities and frequent applications are necessary and they must be cleaned up at great expense.
Sand can obstruct and clog drainage ditches and storm drain systems.
Also, it is usually necessary to use some salt with abrasives in order to keep the abrasive stockpile from freezing. Straight salt is more efficient and economical. Used sensibly, it is the best means of providing safe roads in winter by itself or in conjunction with plowing, depending on the situation. Anti-Caking Agents Certain additives are put into salt to keep it from caking. Another is ferric ferrocyanide, also known as Prussian Blue.