Technically yes.
I wondered what MgCl or magnesium chloride (normal ice melt salt) was doing to the ground around my cemented areas. Was it doing any harm? Would it cause issues in the springtime?
This experiment shows what happens when other salts I have available are used: MgSO4 or magnesium sulfate (epsom salt), scented epsom salt, rock salt for water softeners (NaCl, same chemistry as table salt).
Results
Control, normal ice melt: performed well, no threats to its job. Note that magnesium is present in this salt so it’s not all bad for the ground, just salt buildup is bad for the ground that you eventually want to put plants on. Our soil is clay, our yards are watered with secondary water so salt buildup in the soil is a valid concern.
Unscented epsom salt:
Technically worked but only where the grains landed. Not a viable solution due to the cost vs how well it worked.
Scented epsom salt:
Same results as the unscented epsom salt.
Rock salt from water softener:
Same chemical makeup as table salt, NaCl or sodium chloride. Didn’t melt anything other than the area immediately surrounding the pellets.
Conclusion:
Normal ice melt: the most effective and efficient.
Epsom salts work but would require the whole area to be blanketed. Effective but inefficient.
Water softener pellets:
No dissolution of pellets. Ineffective and inefficient.
