Calcium Chloride is an inorganic compound, a salt, a white crystalline solid at room temperature, very soluble in water, calcium chloride is usually a hydrated solid, mainly used for de-icing and dust control. The anhydrous salt is used as a desiccant because it is hygroscopic and deliquescent.
Calcium chloride can be used for deicing and freezing point reduction: by lowering the freezing point of water, calcium chloride is used to prevent freezing and for deicing. Calcium chloride is relatively harmless to plants and soil. As a deicing agent, it is more effective than sodium chloride at lower temperatures. Calcium chloride solutions can prevent freezing at temperatures as low as -52°C (-62°F), making it an ideal liquid ballast for filling tires on farm equipment and aiding traction in cold climates. Calcium chloride is also used in household and industrial chemical air dehumidifiers.
The second most important application of calcium chloride is the utilization of its hygroscopic properties and the viscosity of its hydrate; Calcium chloride is highly hygroscopic and its hydration is an exothermic process. The concentrated solution forms a liquid layer on the surface of the dirt road, which inhibits the formation of dust. It keeps finer dust particles on the road, providing a buffer layer.

Food use: Food grade calcium chloride can be used as a food additive, and calcium chloride is permitted as a food additive in the EU for use as a chelating and curing agent.