People Are Wondering If Snow Is Edible — I Asked An Expert

Whereas pollutants present in rainwater are diluted by groundwater and soil and broken down by microorganisms (like fungi), pollutants found in snow “are largely organic compounds that are insoluble in water, and can come from gasoline emissions, coal-based emissions, and petrochemical pollution,” Bryan said, “Many of these compounds can be carcinogenic in high concentrations and with long-term exposure.”

So, unlike snow, the fruits and vegetables we eat every day that are touched by rain water are less likely to contain these pollutants.