Residents feel the chemical compound used to melt the snow aided in corroding the insulation of electrical cables: One resident and dog walker tells the Post, "It's 10 times stronger than Drano. It's nasty stuff. It eats away at the insulation in electrical cables." This compound, calcium chloride, is used because it doesn't damage concrete, while rock salt does; calcium chloride can also melt snow when it's -25 degrees. more ›