MAG is less irritating to the skin. MAG, unlike calcium chloride, is not noticeably exothermic (generates heat) when it first comes in contact with moisture. Magnesium chloride is unlikely to irritate the skin or burn the skin when it contacts moist skin surfaces.
MAG corrodes metal surfaces less. Tests show MAG to be significantly less corrosive than calcium chloride and sodium chloride on both tin and aluminum.
MAG is safer around vegetation. When used as directed, MAG is safer to use around plants and bushes. In fact, magnesium chloride is used as an ingredient in some fertilizers.
MAG is safer on concrete. Tests by the Strategic Highway Research Program, Washington D.C., using 3% solutions (representative dilution of ice melting brines) show that calcium chloride caused 26 times and sodium chloride caused 63 times the amount of concrete spalling than MAG.
MAG is safer for use around animals and humans. MAG is much less toxic than calcium chloride, potassium chloride and sodium chloride based on data provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In fact, a form of MAG is used as a mineral supplement in some farm animal feedstocks.
MAG is environmentally friendlier. On a pound for pound basis, MAG contains approximately 22%, 29%, 39% and 43% less chlorides than potassium chloride, calcium chloride 77%, calcium chloride 90% and sodium chloride respectively, while still maintaining its high performance level. The application of MAG results in significantly less chloride runoff and pollution than potassium chloride, calcium chloride and sodium chloride.