Carbon Dioxide - Dry Ice Safety
When handled properly, Praxair's dry ice is safe and easy to use. Please follow these guidelines for handling and disposal of dry ice.

About Dry Ice
Dry ice is solidified carbon dioxide (CO2). Distinct from regular ice, which exists at temperatures of 32°F (0°C) and below, dry ice is extremely cold, -109°F (-79°C). Unlike water ice, dry ice does not melt. Instead, it sublimates (changes directly from solid to gas), releasing CO2. Carbon dioxide vapor is substantially heavier than air. In confined, poorly ventilated spaces it can displace air, causing asphyxiation. It is even possible for CO2 vapor to accumulate in low-lying areas, out-of-doors, under zero or very light wind conditions.

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Safe Handling and Storage of Dry Ice


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 OTHERWISE 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.
» OBTAIN DRY ICE IN THE FORM AND SIZE IN WHICH IT WILL BE USED. Never saw a block of dry ice; never use a hammer to break a block of dry ice into smaller pieces.
» TRANSPORT DRY ICE IN YOUR VEHICLE TRUNK OR TRUCK BED. 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.