In the latest ‘Ask a Health Inspector’ series, Jason Masters, Environmental Health Director for the Foothills District, answers a common winter question: is it safe to eat snow? The question comes from Carol, a grandmother concerned about her four-year-old grandson eating snow.
Masters recalls his own childhood, mentioning family traditions of making snow cream and eating fresh snow. He notes that many families have similar experiences. However, he also points out health concerns related to eating snow.
Masters explains that the main risk is contamination. Snow on the ground can contain animal waste, dirt, rocks, lead paint chips, and chemicals like road salt. It may also cover failing septic systems or contain cigarette butts and ashes. He compares eating snow from the ground to eating food that has fallen on the ground…