I have never heard that, but it's very interesting.
I actually contacted the individual who forst told me this and she directed me to company in Pittston PA called Malazzo Industries and it turns out they did indeed have a patent on a particular forulation of salt free ice melt. This combined with the fact thyat this person might well be in a position to know,I am leaning toward most likely true on this one
Been there and done it I am very much for real, so if you ask, make sure you really want to know.