The main constituents of salt are sodium chloride, potassium iodide, sodium ferrocyanide and sodium aluminum silicate. The main element is sodium chloride, which makes up 99% of its composition.
The other components are present in very small quantities. The iodine that can be found in salt is due to potassium iodide.
Salt has been used by man since ancient times. The most widespread use is in the kitchen of any home to season food.
Currently the salt that is consumed has various presentations. One of them is cooking or refined salt, which is white in color and comes in very small grains. Another is coarse salt, also known as sea salt.
Lately the pink salt or Himalayan salt has become popular, which comes in coarse pink grains.
Sodium chloride: the main component
Sodium chloride is chemically identified as NaCl and can be obtained from natural salt mines, from which salt rocks or the mineral halite are extracted.
The oldest known salt mine is in Poland, and it is believed that it began to be exploited in the 11th century.
Sodium chloride can also be obtained from the evaporation of sea water. It contains sodium chloride and also other salts, such as carbonates and sulfates. The salt consumed in homes normally comes from this process.
The components of sea water react under the incidence of the sun and the winds. Thanks to this reaction, the precipitation of the various salts and the final obtaining of sodium chloride is generated.
Main uses of salt
Currently about 5% of the total salt extracted in the world is destined only for human consumption.
It is important to note that excessive salt consumption is associated with cardiovascular and hypertension problems; hence the importance of being moderate in the intake of this component.
The production of salt is also used in industries for various purposes, such as the production of chlorine gas, the production of paper, fabrics, cosmetics, dyes, and remedies, among others.
In countries that have the winter season, salt is used during snowfalls for de-icing, because it spreads on the streets and thus prevents or stops the formation of ice and the accumulation of snow.
Salt is also used in the water treatment processes and maintenance of swimming pool pumping systems.
References:
- Table of application of salt. Salt Swan. Recovered from the site: salcisne.com.br
- Applications and uses of the different types of salts. Recovered from the site: infosa.com
- Sal de cozinha ou Table salt. MEDEIROS, MIGUEL. Recovered from the site: quiprocura.net
- Salt: there is nothing healthier for the body and spirit than the sun and salt. Recovered from the site: lasal.typepad.com