Three Dry Ice No-Nos To Avoid at All Costs
Dry ice sublimates, and the “smoke” it gives off can actually be explosive in certain conditions.
Dry ice is (literally) a super cool substance. It’s cold, it’s fun to watch sublimate, and it gives off a cool-looking gas. Plus, ice can be used for so many different things, from shipment to a fun punchbowl effect. However, that doesn’t mean that dry ice is safe to use in every situation. Whether you are planning to use ice at your party event for a cool effect, shipping perishables overseas, or even making a homemade cooler, you’ll need to know some basic safety precautions beforehand. Here’s a list of the top three “no-nos” when it comes to handling dry ice.
1. Buying too Early
One thing to remember is that dry ice and water ice are not the same in any way, even down to their basic chemical structure. So, you can’t treat dry ice and regular ice the same. For example, when you are planning a party and intend to have some ice to use, you’ll go to the grocery or convenience store and pick up a bag. Then, you’ll place it in the freezer until it’s needed. Unfortunately, you cannot do this with dry ice because the gas it gives off is highly flammable and can cause explosions if held inside a fridge or freezer. To avoid this problem, simply purchase your ice or have it shipped on the same day you’ll need it.
2. Storing in an Enclosed Space
We just talked about the dangers of keeping ice in a refrigerator or freezer. But this also applies to any enclosed, poorly ventilated space. This also means it applies to larger spaces like rooms found in homes. Make sure when handling ice to always be near a well-ventilated area. It’s best recommended for use outside where there is no container for the gas to accumulate in. However, if you do need to use the ice indoors, make sure it is in a room with plenty of open windows to allow the CO2 gas to escape safely.
3. Keeping in a Cooler
Lastly, since dry ice is not actual ice, you should never store it in a regular cooler. Ice can actually burn a hole in a plastic cooler, which will permanently damage the cooler, produce an unpleasant smell, and release harmful chemicals into the surrounding air. If you must keep dry ice in a cooler somewhere, make sure it is in a safe foam container made to withstand extremely cold temperatures, and remember to never use a lid!
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.
