A general practitioner has issued a caution against consuming snow this winter, emphasizing that even the most untouched snow could contain harmful bacteria, chemicals, and debris.

As Britain faces severe blizzard conditions today, an amber alert is now in effect with temperatures in some areas expected to drop to a chilling -12C due to the Siberian cold wave known as the ‘Beast from the East’.

Amidst this snowy spectacle, it’s important to resist the temptation to sample the snow, no matter how clean it appears. A lesser-known fact is that snow can capture contaminants during its descent.

Dr. Suzanne Wylie, a GP and medical advisor for IQdoctor, explained, “Snow forms in the atmosphere by attracting small particles as it crystallizes and can accumulate additional contaminants once it settles on the ground.”

She added, “Therefore, it’s never as ‘pure’ as it seems.”

Dr. Wylie highlighted concerns regarding the potential contents of snow. It can trap microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, particularly if it touches surfaces that have been exposed to people or animals.

‘It may also contain dirt or debris, including soot, soil, or tiny particles from air pollution. 

‘In urban areas, snow can pick up chemical residues, such as vehicle exhaust particles, road grit, or de-icing salts, all of which can be irritating or potentially harmful if ingested.’

Parts of the UK have been covered in a thick blanket of snow

Interestingly, because snow is made mostly from air, it is quite sponge-like and can absorb air pollution particles. 

A 2016 study found that in the space of just an hour, snow can pick up dangerous elements from vehicle exhausts such as benzene, toluene and xylenes.

The first pollutant benzene has been classified as a type 1 carcinogenic and has been linked to deadly blood cancers as well as anaemia—low iron levels—which can cause fatigue and shortness of breath.

Meanwhile, health chiefs say toluene—a chemical used in petrol production—can cause hallucinations, irregular heart beats, convulsions and even coma or death if someone consumes a substantial amount.

Similarly, ingesting xylenes is dangerous, potentially causing breathing problems, damage to the liver and kidneys, loss of consciousness, heart failure and death.

While it’s hard to say how many chemicals you’ll find in a scoop of snow from your local area—or if it will contain traces of salmonella or e.coli—experts warn that a moment of iciness on the tongue isn’t worth the risk. 

There’s also an increased risk for children, warned Dr Wylie. 

‘Eating small amounts of clean, freshly fallen snow is generally low-risk, but it isn’t advisable, particularly for children,’ she said

‘Eating cold snow can also lower body temperature slightly, which isn’t ideal for young children, particularly if they’re already cold or have been outside for a long time.’

Children should be discouraged from eating snow

Dogs can also get ill from eating snow, especially if it contains traces of antifreeze

And it’s not only people who can get sick from eating snow—or ingesting the nasties hidden within it, pets are at risk too.

The grit, de-icing salts and anti-freeze that many people rely on to drive in the icy weather also pose a threat to pets such as cats and dogs. 

Ingesting even small amounts of antifreeze can be fatal. 

Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a toxic chemical that causes severe damage to dog’s and cat’s organs, and if not treated rapidly by a vet, certain death. 

Signs of antifreeze poisoning in dogs includes wobbliness and weakness, vomiting, low energy, drinking more than normal, weeing more than normal, difficulty or fast breathing, seizures and collapse.

To try and deter your dog from eating snow, it’s advised to make sure they are fully hydrated, but if they insist on taking mouthfuls of it, consider muzzling them when outdoors.

Last year, celebrities and creators posted thousands of videos showing themselves eating snow, and using it in drinks and recipes.

Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon sent fans into a frenzy when she posted a video of herself making a wintery drink from snow scooped off her car mixed with syrups and cold brew coffee.

Reese Witherspoon previously sent fans into a frenzy after eating snow in a wintery drink

Her fans quickly expressed concern with one commenting ‘I love you but no thank you. Snow is so dirty full of bacteria’ and another adding ‘I thought eating snow was dangerous to our health.’

Puzzled by the backlash, Reese took to the video sharing site again and said: ‘There’s so many people on here saying snow is dirty so we went and took snow from the backyard, and we microwaved it and its clear.’

And she isn’t alone. In another clip, viewed over 80,000 times, posted by the creator @nittyviita who goes by the title ‘Ice King’, he starts eating a bowl of snowballs drizzled with chocolate sauce.

But while the Ice King urged people to only use fresh show in the caption, experts have reiterated that while it is well known you shouldn’t eat yellow snow, freshly fallen snow is also unsafe to eat.

Dr Wylie said: ‘In terms of illness, it’s uncommon for someone to become seriously unwell purely from eating a small amount of snow. 

‘In general practice, I haven’t encountered a case where someone has been harmed specifically for this reason. 

‘However, children who eat dirty or contaminated snow could, in theory, develop mild stomach upset, diarrhoea, or vomiting, similar to what might happen if they swallowed contaminated water. 

‘The risk increases if the snow is visibly dirty, has been lying for a while, is near roads, or has been in contact with animals.’