What is Industrial Snow?

Industrial snow is a rare phenomenon that occurs where industrial pollution is found, provided there are specific atmospheric conditions such as sub-zero temperatures and high humidity. When high levels of pollutants are emitted into the air, water vapor condenses around these particles and enables the formation of a larger number of cloud droplets and may simultaneously supercool cloud droplets to form ice.

When it gets heavy enough, the cloud sheds its load in the form of precipitation. Industrial snow is a bit unique because it lowers the temperature of the clouds enough to create snow and ice when the temperature would not have supported this form of precipitation. Industrial snow can occur without forecasts, as it is outside normal weather patterns. Thermal inversion, a meteorological phenomenon, also creates favorable conditions for industrial snow to occur.

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Industrial snow is not safe, as it is composed of pollution particles. If sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are present in industrial snow, then it can be classified as acid deposition. Industrial snow can be corrosive, and presents challenges to agricultural operations, as there is no feasible way to shield a field from this form of pollution.

Cites with high levels of air pollution are more likely to witness industrial snow, as well as industrial areas and urban areas. If you encounter industrial snow, do not consume or handle it, and wash your hands to stay safe. Upon entering your home or place of business, try to keep outerwear away from common surfaces, and check to ensure you are not tracking contaminated snow by way of shoes or apparel.

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Since industrial snow is another form of pollution, the best way to prevent or limit this occurrence is to reduce the number of industrial emissions and urban emissions. Residents, unfortunately, do not have much control over the operating procedures at facilities, but if they notice harmful practices, they can reach out to their local health department and report it to state or other government officials. Other steps can be taken to mitigate this form of pollution, such as not idling cars or using public transportation. For further reading, please refer to the hyperlinked articles!