Dry Ice Safety

Download the Material Safety Data Sheet

Dry ice and ventilation

Always use dry ice in a well-ventilated area. If it has been in a closed auto, van or, for more than a few minutes, open doors and allow adequate ventilation before entering. Leave an area containing dry ice if you experience rapid breathing, develop a headache, or if your fingernails or lips start to turn blue; these are signs that you have inhaled too much CO₂ and not enough oxygen. Do not enter a closed storage area containing dry ice before airing it out completely.

Dry ice handling

Dry Ice temperature is extremely cold at -109.3 degrees F or -78.5 degrees C. Always handle dry ice with care and wear protective cloth or leather gloves when touching dry ice.  An oven mitt or towel will also work.

Prolonged contact with dry ice on bare skin will freeze cells, causing an injury similar to a burn. See a doctor if the skin blisters or comes off; otherwise the injury will heal with time just as any other burn. Apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and bandage only if the burned skin area needs to be protected.

NEVER leave dry ice unattended around children!

Dry ice storage

Store dry ice in an insulated container.  The thicker the insulation, the slower the dry ice will sublimate.  Do not store dry ice in an airtight container!  The sublimation of dry ice to carbon dioxide gas will cause any airtight container to expand or possibly explode. Do not store dry ice in unventilated rooms, cellars, autos, or boat holds.

Dry ice pickup time and transporting

Plan to pickup dry ice as close to the time of the intended use as possible.  Carry dry ice in a well-insulated container such as an ice chest. Wear gloves at all times when handling dry ice.

Dry ice disposal

Do not dispose of dry ice in a sewer, garbage disposal, or chute.  Allow leftover dry ice to sublimate in a well-ventilated area.