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Dry
ice is solidified carbon dioxide (CO2). Dry
ice is extremely cold, -109°F (-79°C) and does not melt. Instead,
it sublimates (changes directly from solid to gas), releasing CO2.
When handled properly, dry ice is safe and easy to use.
Please follow the following guidelines
for handling and disposal.
Safe
Handling
- Avoid
contact with skin and eyes
Dry ice is extremely cold, -109°F (-79°C)
and can cause severe frostbite within seconds of direct contact.
(Frostbite is a freezing injury resembling a burn.)
- Never
handle dry ice with your bare hands
Always wear insulated gloves.
Safety glasses, long-sleeved shirt, long pants and shoes are also
recommended. Use tongs to handle blocks of dry ice.
- Do
not put dry ice in your mouth or otherwisde ingest it
If dry ice is accidentally ingested, it can cause severe internal injury. Never put dry ice in beverages to cool them.
- Keep
out of reach of children
Only adults should handle dry ice.
- Transport
dry ice in your vehicle trunk or truck
Leave windows open for fresh air circulation. Never leave dry ice in a parked passenger vehicle. Sublimation of dry ice in a closed passenger vehicle can result in the accumulation of dangerous concentrations of asphyxiating carbon dioxide vapor. Dry ice can be safely transported without special ventilation in the closed cargo area of a truck if all occupants are restricted to the cab. When opening a closed cargo area containing dry ice, allow the closed space to ventilate for 5 minutes before entering.
- Never
store dry ice in glass or other sealed (airtight containers or
coolers
Storage in a sealed container can result in a rupture or explosion
of the container from over-pressurization.
- Do
not use dry ice in confined areas
Dry ice releases heavy carbon dioxide vapor that can cause rapid suffocation.
- Do
not place dry ice on a tile or laminated counter top
Instead, use a solid surface - a wood cutting board or piece of plywood is best. Dry ice is sometimes used in tile removal and may destroy the bonding agent holding the tile or laminated material in place.
- Do
not place dry ice in direct contact with perishable foods or bottled/canned
beverages
Produce may sustain severe freezer burns and bottle/canned beverages may split or explode.
Disposal of Unused Dry Ice
- Do
not attempt to dump unused dry ice
Allow the dry ice to sublimate or evaporate to the atmosphere
in a well-ventilated area where no build-up of carbon dioxide
vapor can occur.
- Do
not dispose of dry ice in sewers, sinks or toilets
The extreme cold will harm sink disposal, toilet parts and pipes.
- Do
not dispose of dry ice in garbage receptacles or garbage chutes
- Do
not dispose of dry ice in areas accessible to the general public
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