Study: Snow Absorbs Toxic Air Pollutants, So Don't Eat It!
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - It may be perfectly white, but the snow isn't as pure as it looks.
According to techtimes.com, snow in urban areas has been found to absorb the same toxic and carcinogenic components coming from car exhaust.
A study was published in the journal Environmental Science: Processes and Impacts, ahead of a World Health Organization report on air pollution next month.
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The authors analyzed the interaction of ice particles with pollutants by putting snow and exhaust fumes in a chamber. After examining the reactions that occurred, they found that snow absorbed pollutant particles from the air.
Included in those particles was benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylenes. Some of these compounds have real health risks.
So if you spot someone about to eat snow, it may be smart to advise them against it.