Dry
Ice Safety
What is Dry
Ice?
Dry Ice is frozen carbon dioxide. Unlike most
solids, it does not melt into a liquid, but instead
changes directly into a gas. This process is called
sublimation. The temperature of dry ice is around
-109° F! It melts very quickly so if you need
dry ice for an experiment or project, buy it as
close as possible to the time you need it.
Dry Ice Safety Rules:
1) KIDS: Never use dry ice without adult supervision.
Dry ice can cause serious injury if not used carefully!!!
2) Never store dry ice in an airtight container.
As the dry ice melts from a solid directly into
a gas, the gas will build up in the container
until it bursts. Sharp pieces of container will
go flying all over the place. Make sure your container
is ventilated!!! The best place to store dry ice
is in a styrofoam chest with a loose fitting lid.
3) Do not touch dry ice with your skin! Use tongs,
insulated (thick) gloves or an oven mitt. Since
the temperature of dry ice is so cold, it can
cause severe frostbite. If you suspect you have
frostbite seek medical help immediately.
4) Never eat or swallow dry ice! Again, the temperature
of dry ice is very, very cold. If you swallow
dry ice, seek medical help immediately.
5) Never lay down in, or place small children
or pets in homemade clouds. The clouds are made
of carbon dioxide gas! People and pets could suffocate
if they breathe in too much gas.
6) Never place dry ice in an unventilated room
or car. If you are traveling with dry ice in the
car, crack a window open. Same rule applies if
you are in a small room, crack a window open.
You do not want too much carbon dioxide gas to
build up around you.
7) Always wear safety goggles when doing experiments
with dry ice.
8) Do not place dry ice directly on countertops.
The cold temperature could cause the surface to
crack.
9) Leave the area immediately if you start to
pant or have difficulty catching your breath.
This is a sign that you have breathed in too much
carbon dioxide gas.
10) Do not store dry ice in your freezer. It
will cause your freezer to become too cold and
your freezer may shut off. However, if you lose
power for an extended period of time, dry ice
is the best way to keep things cold!
Disposing of Dry Ice:
To dispose of dry ice, place in a well ventilated
container and take it outside where small children
and pets cannot reach it. Simply let it sublimate
away!
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