What Should You Avoid When Using Dry Ice?
This article discusses what you should avoid when using dry ice.
Dry ice is practical for a fun and creepy atmosphere to your Halloween festivities, but knowing how to utilize it is critical. Dry ice is a frozen solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2), so instead of melting, it will convert into a gas. Therefore, it’s a top priority to handle it properly. This article discusses what you should avoid when using dry ice.
Purchasing Dry Ice More Than Several Hours Before You Use It
The fact is that dry ice doesn’t last long. It takes about a day for five pounds of dry ice to convert from solid to gas – even when it’s inside a cooler. So, if you purchase it several days before your event, it won’t last. Follow this tip: plan a dry ice run a few hours before you need it.
Touching it With Your Bare Skin or Mouth
As mentioned, dry ice is below freezing, at 109.3 degrees Fahrenheit. If you directly touch it for more than 10 seconds, you will risk severe frostbite. The same goes for your mouth – you could risk internal frostbite if you come in contact with it while enjoying a smoky beverage. So, this is something you should avoid when using dry ice.
Instead, use heavy gloves, tongs, or both when handling the frozen carbon dioxide. Always remind those sipping with dry ice in their drinks not to let it touch their lips. Since it’s dense, the ice will sit at the bottom of the glass, but it’s still crucial to be aware.
Keeping Dry Ice in the Freezer or An Airtight Container
It’s also essential to store dry ice properly before you utilize it. If you maintain it in the freezer, it will trigger the freezer to shut down. And if you hold the ice in an airtight container, it can cause the container to explode when it turns into a gas. Ideally, you should store dry ice in a Styrofoam or insulated cooler with its lid slightly open. That will help keep its temperature while enabling it to have some ventilation for the gas to escape.
Using Dry Ice in a Non-Ventilated Area
Since dry ice is made of CO2, you want to prevent that gas from building up and replace the oxygen in the room. That’s hazardous. Remember, you should be using it in a well-ventilated room. Keep a window open to ensure there is air circulating.
Tossing Dry Ice Leftovers in the Sink or Trash
Again, dry ice is freezing. Tossing any leftovers in the sink to melt can provoke severe damage to your sink and drains. Also, dumping it in the garbage can trigger gas buildup, and the trash can potentially explode. So, this is something you should avoid when using dry ice.
Order Your Dry Ice Online Today!
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 number 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.
