Updated 05-May-2020.
Mondo shtuff from around the internet, all about CALCIUM CHLORIDE!
My botty best at summarizing from Wikipedia: calcium chloride is an inorganic compound, a salt with the chemical formula CaCl2 . it can be created by neutralising hydrochloric acid with calcium hydroxide . calcium chloride is relatively harmless to plants and soil . as a deicing agent, it is much more effective at lower temperatures than sodium chloride . prills are white spheres a few millimeter solutions of calcium chloride can prevent freezing at temperatures as low as 52 °C (62 °F) it is ideal for filling agricultural implement tires as a liquid ballast, aiding traction in cold climate using calcium chloride reduces the need for grading by as much as 50% . it is permitted as a food additive in the eu for use as sequestrant and firming agent with the E number E509 calcium chloride is used in canned vegetables, firming soybean curds into tofu . it is commonly used as an electrolyte in sports drinks and other beverages . the salty taste is used to flavor pickles calcium chloride affects flavor and chemical reactions during the brewing process . it can also affect yeast function during fermentation . in cheesemaking, it is added to processed milk to restore calcium and protein in casein . anhydrous calcium chloride has been approved by the FDA as a packaging aid to ensure dryness . the hydrated salt can be dried for re-use but will dissolve in its own water of hydration if heated CaCl2 is also used to inhibit swelling clays in invert emulsion drilling fluids . it acts as flux material (decreasing melting point) in the Davy process for sodium metal . Ca calcium chloride dihydrate (20% by weight) dissolved in ethanol (95% ABV) has been used as a sterilant for male animals . solution is injected into the testes of the animal . concentrated solutions or solid products may cause gastrointestinal irritation or ulceration.Consumption of calcium chloride can lead to hypercalcemia. solutions are sources of “free” calcium and free chloride ions. Butterworth-Heinemann. ISBN 978-0-08-037941-8.