We’ve all heard the advice to avoid eating yellow snow, but did you know that it might be a good idea to avoid eating any snow at all? Recently, a big snowstorm hit the East Coast of the United States, closing schools and businesses and giving people a chance to enjoy the snowy weather. While many people love to eat snow, some scientists suggest that it might not be the best idea.
Snowflakes are not just frozen water. They actually form around tiny particles like dust and soot. Recent research shows that snowflakes can pick up even more harmful particles from the air. While it’s usually safe to breathe in the small amounts of dust and pollen in the air, snow can gather these pollutants in higher concentrations.
A study published in the journal Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts found that snow acts like a sponge. Its large surface area allows it to collect particles from the air, including those from car exhaust. These particles can be harmful and even cancer-causing.
In an experiment, researchers placed snow and car exhaust fumes in a chamber together. After just one hour, the snow had absorbed a lot of the exhaust particles, showing how quickly snow can become polluted.
Another study published in Science found that in some cities in the Great Plains, the amount of soot in snow could reach up to 7 micrograms per cubic meter. This is below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards’ maximum of 35 micrograms per cubic meter, but it’s still something to be aware of.
To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to avoid eating the first snowfall of the day. This snow collects more dust and pollution from the air. After the first few hours, the air usually has less pollution, so the snow is cleaner. Some experts suggest not eating snow in urban areas at all. Dr. Parisa Ariya, an atmospheric physical chemist, advises against letting young children eat snow in cities.
On the other hand, some scientists, like Staci Simonich from Oregon State University, are okay with their kids eating fresh snow from their backyards.
If you decide to eat snow, make sure it’s the white kind. Different colors can mean contamination. Brown snow is dirty, and pink snow, sometimes called watermelon snow, contains algae, which is not safe to eat.
There’s so much to learn about snow! For more fun facts, you can explore episodes that explain things you probably didn’t know about snow.
Conduct an experiment to observe the formation of snowflakes. Use a magnifying glass to examine snowflakes closely and identify any particles they might contain. Discuss with your classmates what you find and how it relates to the concept of snowflakes forming around particles like dust and soot.
Create a model to demonstrate how snow can absorb pollutants. Use a sponge to represent snow and colored water to represent pollution. Observe how the sponge absorbs the colored water, simulating how snow collects pollutants from the air. Discuss the implications of this with your classmates.
Research and present on the safety of eating snow in different environments. Compare urban and rural areas, and discuss factors that affect snow cleanliness. Share your findings with the class and suggest guidelines for when it might be safe to eat snow.
Write a short story from the perspective of a snowflake. Describe its journey from the sky to the ground, including the particles it encounters and absorbs. Share your story with the class to highlight the concept of snowflakes as pollution magnets.
Collect samples of snow in different colors, if available, and analyze them. Discuss why certain colors appear and what they indicate about the snow’s safety. Present your findings to the class and explain the importance of choosing the right snow to eat.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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We’re often advised to avoid eating yellow snow, but new research suggests that it might be best to avoid eating any snow at all. Recently, the entire East Coast of the US experienced a blizzard, leading to business and school closures, and giving everyone a chance to enjoy the winter weather. Many people love to eat snow, but some scientists recommend against it.
Snowflakes can contain dust and soot particles because they form around these particles. Recent studies indicate that snowflakes can attract even more harmful particles from the environment. While it’s generally safe to breathe in the dust and pollen present in the air, snow may concentrate these pollutants.
According to a study published in the journal *Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts*, snow can act like a sponge, with its large surface area providing many places for particles to adhere. This means that fumes and particles from car exhaust can become trapped in snowflakes. Unfortunately, these particles can be toxic and carcinogenic.
Researchers conducted an experiment where they placed both snow and exhaust fumes in a chamber. After just an hour, the concentration of particles in the snow significantly increased, indicating that the snow absorbed the exhaust from the surrounding air.
In terms of pollution levels, a study published in *Science* found that in some cities in the Great Plains, concentrations of soot in snow could reach up to 7 micrograms per cubic meter, which is below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards maximum of 35 mg per cubic meter.
To be cautious, it may be wise to avoid eating the first snowfall of the day, as this snow captures more dust and pollution from the air. After the first few hours, the air tends to have less pollution, resulting in cleaner snow. Some experts recommend avoiding eating snow in urban areas altogether. Dr. Parisa Ariya, an atmospheric physical chemist, advises against letting young children eat snow in cities.
Conversely, other scientists, like Staci Simonich from Oregon State University, feel comfortable allowing their children to enjoy fresh fallen snow from their backyards.
If you do choose to eat snow, stick to the white variety. Other colors can indicate contamination. Brown snow is dirty, while pink snow, sometimes referred to as watermelon snow, contains algae, which is not advisable to consume.
There’s a lot to learn about snow! For more interesting facts, check out the episode that explains 13 things you probably didn’t know about snow.
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This version removes any informal language and maintains a neutral tone while conveying the same information.
Snow – Frozen precipitation that falls from clouds in the form of ice crystals. – During the winter, snow covers the mountains, creating a beautiful white landscape.
Pollution – The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment. – Pollution from factories can harm wildlife and damage ecosystems.
Particles – Small portions of matter that can be found in the air, water, or soil. – Scientists study particles in the atmosphere to understand air quality.
Dust – Fine, dry particles of matter that can be suspended in the air. – Dust from construction sites can contribute to air pollution.
Research – The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – Research on renewable energy sources is crucial for a sustainable future.
Safe – Free from harm or risk; secure. – It is important to ensure that drinking water is safe for all communities.
Eat – To consume food for energy and nutrients. – Animals eat plants and other organisms to survive in their habitats.
Scientists – Individuals who conduct scientific research to advance knowledge in an area of interest. – Scientists work together to find solutions to environmental problems.
Exhaust – Gases or vapors expelled from an engine as waste products. – Car exhaust contributes to air pollution and climate change.
Contaminants – Substances that make something impure or unsuitable by contact or mixture. – Contaminants in the water supply can pose health risks to humans and animals.
