 By depressing the freezing point of water, calcium chloride is used to prevent ice formation and to deice. This application consumes the greatest amount of calcium chloride. Calcium chloride is relatively harmless to plants and soil. As a deicing agent, it is more effective at lower temperatures than sodium chloride. When distributed for this use, it usually takes the form of small, white spheres a few millimeters in diameter, called prills. Solutions of calcium chloride can prevent freezing at temperature as low as − 52°C (− 62°F), making it ideal for filling agricultural implement tires as a liquid ballast, aiding traction in cold climates.
