Eating snow ‘not worth the risk’ of ingesting contaminants, health expert says

Actress Reese Witherspoon recently caused controversy tick tock When she showed us how to make winter treats using snow, chocolate syrup, salted caramel syrup, and cold brew.

The treat, which Witherspoon dubbed “chococinnos,” sounds delicious, but she received backlash online about the dangers of eating snow.

Snow is fun and for some reason a seemingly delicious part of winter, but it turns out that snow isn't actually as delicious as it seems.

“It's just not worth the risk, whether it's freshly fallen or on the ground,” said Harriet Skevis, a dietitian and registered dietitian at Northwell Health. She added: “We don't know if the air or wind contains bacteria or pollutants, which could put our health at risk.”

Why eating snow is dangerous

One reason to avoid snow as a food has to do with its role as one of the natural air filters.

When snow forms in clouds, dust and pollen collect and form ice crystals. Then, as the snow descends toward the surface, it can collect small but measurable amounts of chemical pollutants in the air.

When snow falls to the ground, it carries with it the pollutants it collects along the way.

When a snowstorm begins, air pollutants peak. These contaminants make snow that falls earliest the least safe for consumption.

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In addition to collected air pollutants, the first snow that falls often comes into direct contact with the ground. This contact also allows them to absorb chemicals and molecules from the soil, such as dirt, animal waste, pesticides, and fertilizers.

If the snow is disturbed in any way, it is best to avoid eating. Do not consume snow that has been removed from roads and sidewalks.

You should also avoid eating snow that is discolored in any way, especially yellow or brown.

Alternatives to eating snow

Skevis pointed out that the dangers of eating snow are especially true for children with weak or compromised immune systems. A few snowflakes on your tongue won't hurt, but eating large amounts of snow can pose health risks.

Side effects of eating contaminated snow include discomfort such as abdominal pain, bloating and even diarrhea, Skebis added.

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Rather than using snow to make sweet treats, she recommended using shaved or crushed filtered ice, which some refrigerators can produce. This ice becomes a canvas for favorite topics such as chocolate, fresh fruit, and frozen her yogurt.