No one would just drink from a puddle, but it sometimes occurs to someone to refresh themselves with snow. “Snow is not just frozen water, but a trap full of toxins. Even before it hits the ground, it traps dust, pollen and microplastics in the air,” pointed out Radek Mikšík, saying that people from cities should be especially careful.

Absorbs carcinogens like a sponge

“In cities, snow absorbs carcinogenic substances from exhaust gases, benzene and toluene. These damage blood formation and the nervous system. The denser the traffic and industry, the more impurities accumulate in the snow.” explained AGEL’s chief hygienist.

It is not good to let the snow melt either. “Such water could only be drunk filtered,” he pointed out.

According to the hygienist, the “dirtiest” is the first, surface layer of snow, which can collect the most dust and chemicals. And it can be more selfish. However, if the snow is yellow, gray or black, the warning is more than clear. “Urine, salt and exhaust gases are of course not good for anyone. In short, avoid consuming snow,” smiled Radek Mikšík at the end.

Risk of hypothermia

Perhaps a more obvious problem than its composition is the temperature of the snow. “The body must expend a significant amount of energy and heat to melt the snow into a liquid. The result can be hypothermia, i.e. a temperature drop below 35°C. This causes blood vessels to narrow, blood pressure to increase, and blood to clot.” warned Radek Mikšík.

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