How to Handle Dry Ice in the Summer
Safety goggles are always recommended when handling dry ice!
We’ve reached the period of the year with some of the hottest weather we’re gonna see for a while, so many people are looking for ways to cool down. Relying solely on air conditioning can get very expensive very fast, and alternative methods such as keeping open windows and fans just seem to circulate already stifling hot air. So, many Americans are looking for a new perspective on how to keep cooled off this summer. Well, dry ice is most certainly a viable option to keep cool! While dry ice is an exceptional way to keep cool in hot weather, dry ice has a lot of safety precautions that you’ll need to know about before taking some home. Here’s how to handle dry ice in the summertime.
Remember: Dry Ice is Really, Really Cold!
Dry ice is so very cold that it will most certainly cool off anything around it. However, dry ice is actually considered to be dangerously cold, which means that it can severely injure you if it comes in direct contact with your skin. Dry ice is the frozen form of CO2, which has a freezing point of about -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit! Touching dry ice directly can cause frostbite instantly, which is not only extremely painful but very dangerous to the skin. When handling the ice, always try to use metal tools or prongs first. If you must handle it directly, make sure to wear thick gloves that are able to withstand extremely cold temperatures.
Further Gas Protection
Secondly, this type of ice is a solid form of CO2. Although there is lots of CO2 found naturally in the atmosphere, our bodies know how to filter it out. But, when breathed indirectly in a concentrated way, such as when the ice sublimates, it can actually cause health problems such as headaches or nausea. Therefore, always make sure to use the ice either outdoors or in a very well-ventilated area. In other words, treat dry ice like you would treat any toxic substance that produces noxious fumes.
Eyes
The last point to make about dry ice is that the fumes it gives off when it sublimates can actually hurt the delicate membranes of your eyes if in close contact for too long. Therefore, it’s best to wear safety goggles when directly handling ice for long periods of time or if in a not-so-well ventilated area, such as when you are transporting it.
Dry Ice For All Your Needs
Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our 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, Pinterest, and Twitter.
