How to Be Safe with Dry Ice
To prevent dangerous situations, follow these dry ice tips.
At Dry Ice Corp, we love to talk about all of the fun things you can do with dry ice. From making your Halloween party extra spooky to preserving the fresh fruits and vegetables of a summer garden, there are endless practical uses for dry ice. However, safety is essential whenever you are using or transporting dry ice.
Dry Ice: The Basics
Dry ice is solidified carbon dioxide. It is often purchased in block form or as small pellets that look like regular ice cubes. Because ice is frozen carbon dioxide, instead of melting, it turns into gas. It is very cold, so the moment that it is taken out and exposed to room temperature air it will begin to melt.
Why Is Dry Ice Dangerous?
Dry ice is dangerous for three reasons:
- It can explode as the carbon dioxide is released and it turns into gas. If you put dry ice into an airtight container or your freezer, it could cause the vessel to explode.
- Carbon dioxide is not safe for humans to breathe in in large quantities, so if you use dry ice in a confined area without proper ventilation, it can be a huge health hazard.
- Dry ice is very cold. If you make direct contact between your skin and the substance, you can get frostbite almost immediately.
Safely Using Dry Ice
To prevent the three dangerous situations above, always follow the dry ice safety tips below:
- Dry ice should never be placed in a closed container include a plastic container, glass container, ice chest, or freezer.
- Never use dry ice or store dry ice in a place without ventilation.
- Use thick gloves designed for handling dangerous substances whenever you need to touch dry ice.
- Do not place extra dry ice in your sink, toilet, bathtub, or drain. Never place it in a trashcan or dumpster. The safest way to dispose of dry ice is allowing it to melt in a wide open area.
Dry Ice Safety with Dry Ice Corp
Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our dry ice is fresh and delivered right to your doorstep. We are happy to help you determine the best way to ship your goods, whether you have a huge amount of cookies or a single pie, and help you select the perfect amount of dry ice for the job. Give us a call at (201) 767-3200 or contact us online for a quote. To connect with us online, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, and Twitter.
