Something in the De-icer?

[lauraelmore1033]

Today I came home from my ride (in the rain) with itchy, burning welts over large areas of the inside of my legs, ankles and lower belly. These are the areas that get the most water thrown up from the road (in spite of having a dandy set of fenders). I've noticed this a couple of other times this winter after really wet rides soon after snow has been on the roads. It's almost like a burn and is very painful for about a half an hour after the ride. Is there something put on the roads to melt the snow that burns skin? Anybody else experience this?

[smilingcat]

If you think its from something the road crew is "spraying", you could call your DOT and find out what they use. It has to be cheap and can't be "toxic". Regular salt was used in some area, others use calcium chloride in place of sodium chloride (salt), others use plain old sand. Salt usage is going down.

I could see getting a rash from prolonged exposure to salt water.

[jessmarimba]

Some places use weird food-like components, too. Soy sauce & molasses, pickle juice...weird stuff. So if you have a contact soy allergy and your area use that...itchy itchy. I'd definitely second calling the DOT.

[SadieKate]

Laurel - it seems to me that you should be checking with your local government entities to find out what road treatments they use and researching that. You should easily be able to find info for your specific area.

Here in Central Oregon, they use magnesium chloride amd I've attached a link to a product sheet. http://www.saltdepotinc.com/flyers/SD_Ice_Melter_FLYER%20MSDS.pdf

BTW, I sure would be rinsing that stuff off my bike. You ever looked at the underside of cars that don't get cleaned at the end of the winter?