Eating snow may seem harmless because, after all, it is just frozen water. However, experts believe that even clean, white snow should not be consumed due to several dangers associated with it.
What is Snow Really Made Of?
As you might guess, snow consists of tightly crystallized ice particles. Nevertheless, the main component that makes up the overall volume of snow is air. This is due to the significant air pockets surrounding each tiny crystal in the snow layer.
Some advocates for eating snow argue that as long as you catch the snow before it hits the ground, it is safe to eat since it remains clean. Alternatively, during heavy snowfall, they suggest that simply brushing off the top layer can reveal cleaner snow underneath that is safe to consume. However, a recent study has shown that even snow that hasn’t yet touched the ground can contain numerous harmful substances that should be avoided.
Eating snow is not as safe as you think.
A study recently published in December in the journal Environmental Science by researchers at McGill University found that snowflakes not only contain large amounts of crystalline water but also carry a significant amount of pollutants.
Another study published in the Journal of Geophysical Letters by researchers at the University of Washington analyzed snow collected from various locations across the United States and Canada. They discovered that snow contains varying concentrations of soot, dirt, and even some samples from remote areas far from urban or industrial zones also contained these pollutants.
The process of salting roads and railways, while effective in melting snow, also causes environmental harm and further pollutes the snow as the salt breaks down into chloride ions.
Eating Snow Can Have Serious Health Implications
Microbial contaminants in snow pose a clear threat. While most bacteria and viruses that survive in snow are harmless, pathogens from animal feces have been shown to cause diarrhea. They can also lead to long-term health issues, including stunted growth in children.
Then there’s the risk of exposure to particulate matter (PM). Researchers have demonstrated a significant increase in concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene in snow just one hour after exposure to exhaust fumes in a confined space.
Numerous studies consistently highlight the connection between PM and adverse health effects, exploring both short-term and long-term exposure to PM.
Exposure to benzene has been linked to a higher risk of developing cancer, particularly leukemia and other blood-related cancers. Other chemicals can cause symptoms such as eye and nose irritation, fatigue, confusion, dizziness, and headaches.
Snow comes from the atmosphere, and we know the atmosphere is not clean.
It is important to emphasize that snow contains these chemicals at low concentrations. The duration of snowfall correlates with reduced levels of air pollution and snow pollution. Even collecting snow during the onset of strong winds, the pollutants in the snow remain far below toxic levels.
Clearly, eating snow is not a beneficial action. Are people still eating it without fear of these substances? Consuming large amounts of snow directly can lead to hypothermia, dehydration, and even frostbite on the lips.
Can You Eat Snow in a Survival Situation Between Humans and Wilderness?
Researchers advise that even in survival scenarios, eating snow should be avoided. The U.S. Army survival guide indicates that in necessary situations, snow should only be consumed after boiling and then allowed to cool.
While falling snow is beautiful and romantic, perhaps we should merely admire and play in it instead of trying to eat it in our whimsical thoughts, as this action is more harmful than beneficial to human health.
