Progress Report: Corrosive Effects of Deicing Salts^⋆: TP-19—Corrosion by Deicing Salts^*

Deicing salt used in cities in the Northern part of the United States is estimated to cause an added $100,000,000 annual loss to automobiles and buried pipes and cables. Tests are related showing the effect of deicing salts on steel exposed to various concentrations of salts and the effect of inhibitors on reducing the corrosive effect of the salt. Various suggestions concerning the recommended mitigation practices for automobiles and underground power and communications cable and equipment are given. The lack of quantitative data on deicing salt corrosion losses and the need for additional research are emphasized.