The Worst Mistakes to Avoid while Using Dry Ice
Things can go terribly wrong if you don’t handle dry ice with care.
When handled safely, dry ice can be used for all of your projects very easily. This type of ice can fix car dents, flash-freeze food, refrigerates food during a power outage, scare off mosquitoes, and many more. During the Fall, dry ice makes a great addition to any Halloween party too. Even so, things can go terribly wrong if you don’t handle it with care. To avoid a disastrous experience with dry ice, read to learn about the worst mistakes to avoid!
Not Enough Dry Ice
It is terrible to think you’ve bought enough dry ice only to discover that it has disappeared by the time you have to use it. Alternatively, finding out you do not have enough ice can keep you from achieving your goal. For example, you might only have enough of it to create a spooky fog for half an hour instead of six. Never purchase dry ice too early before the time you have to use it, and never neglect to calculate the amount you will need to buy. Dry ice will sublimate at or about 10 pounds per 24 hours, so make sure to plan accordingly.
Handling Without Any Protection
The next worst-case scenario with this ice is hurting yourself through improper handling. Dry ice sits at -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit. So it will burn if you touch it or pick it up with your bare hands. Make sure always to wear tongs and gloves to handle the dry ice too.
Storing in Any Enclosed Spots
Because dry ice, which is in the form of a stable carbon dioxide, is consistently sublimating, the carbon dioxide could cause dizziness, fainting, nausea, and death if it is kept in an unventilated spot. If you are transporting any dry ice inside a vehicle, never ride with it for more than just 15 minutes without cracking your windows. If you must, open the windows in your home in the room where you are storing the ice.
Ingesting the Ice
If you’ve had the misfortune to ingest a piece of dry ice, either on its own or through a drink, go to the hospital right away. The dry ice can cause internal burning. Avoid this scenario by never tasting it or drinking a dry ice beverage until all of the ice has sublimated. Make sure none of your kids or pets have access to this substance, either.
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.
