Magnesium and calcium chlorides have been widely used in the western part of the United States for dust suppression and de-icer for many years. They are not binders but are hydroscopic in nature and actually work by attracting moisture from the air to control dust.

One of the most attractive features of both substances is the relatively low cost. However, there are a few challenges associated with the use of these salts, including the instability in areas where rainfall is prevalent because rainwater tends to leach out the soluble chlorides. Another challenge is that the salt creates a slippery surface for roads with high content when it’s wet, and the last challenge is that it requires at least 32 percent humidity for magnesium chloride to work. That is why we offer a more environmentally friendly option here at EnviRoad.

Earthbind 100 was engineered to be an environmentally friendly alternative to chlorides. It is a bio-based emulsion that is specifically formulated for dust suppression on unpaved surfaces.

Here are the differences between Earthbind and calcium or magnesium chloride:

o Earthbind does not wash off with rain water as the chlorides do.
o Earthbind is a binder that glues soil particles together. Earthbind is not hydroscopic; therefore, it does not require humidity to control dust.
o Earthbind does not get sloppy or slippery under wet conditions.
o Earthbind requires 3 to 5 times less concentrated product on moderately traveled roads, reducing shipping costs and storage area required.
o Earthbind is specifically formulated and manufactured to be a dust control palliative. It is not a by-product or “waste” product.
o Earthbind weighs 23-28 percent less than calcium or magnesium chloride, reducing shipping costs and storage requirements.
o Earthbind is formulated with surfactants, which help break road surface tension, eliminating the need to pre-water a road prior to application.
o Earthbind is not considered to be corrosive.
o Earthbind does not harm vegetation or impact surface or ground water.
o Earthbind does not attract animals to the road. Some animals may be attracted to the salts in chloride-treated roads. Larger mammals attracted to a road can be traffic hazards.
o Earthbind can accumulate over several applications. Yearly maintenance applications require less product because of this buildup. Chlorides can wash off the surface.
o Earthbind makes a road water resistant. In humid regions, chlorides have been shown to cause road material to hold water. A gravel or dirt road’s most typical problems are caused by water. Typical problems include rutting, soft spots, depressions, and potholes.

As you can see, there are many advantages to choosing Earthbind for your dust-control needs. While chlorides have been used for many years, some of the side effects are concerning to many communities and landowners. Earthbind anywhere in the U.S. via LTL, truckload, or railcar and smaller quantities are shipped in 260-gallon tote. Additionally, EnviRoad has distributors throughout the United States, Canada and Internationally. For more detailed information on the safety and effectiveness of Earthbind, call 1-800-536-2650 or visit our website.