Is Dry Ice Dangerous?

Yes, dry ice is dangerous and poses several risks, including:

• Severe frostbite
• Asphyxiation
• Potential explosions

With temperatures of -109°F (-78.5°C), dry ice can cause immediate tissue damage upon contact while releasing CO₂ gas that displaces oxygen in enclosed spaces.

In this guide, we’ll explore the main hazards of dry ice and examine real-world incidents that highlight these dangers. We’ll also cover essential safety protocols and discuss proper storage and transportation requirements for industrial applications.

WestAir supplies dry ice across California and Arizona.

Why Is Dry Ice Dangerous?

Dry ice is dangerous because of its extreme temperature and unique sublimation properties. Unlike regular ice, this solid CO₂ transitions directly from solid to gas at temperatures above -109°F, releasing 235-250 liters of CO₂ gas per pound of material.

The main risk comes from direct skin contact, which causes frostbite within 5-10 seconds of exposure. This danger goes beyond surface cooling – the extreme cold freezes cellular water, causing irreversible tissue damage that progresses from initial redness to hemorrhagic blisters and tissue death.

The sublimation process creates additional hazards beyond temperature. As dry ice transitions to gas, it expands dramatically – one pound of solid material produces enough CO₂ to displace significant amounts of breathable air in confined spaces.

Can Dry Ice Cause Asphyxiation?

The CO₂ displacement of oxygen in poorly ventilated areas poses considerable asphyxiation risks. When CO₂ concentrations reach just 3% (30,000 ppm), workers experience dizziness and headaches, while levels exceeding 5% (50,000 ppm) cause unconsciousness or death.

The invisible nature of CO₂ makes this hazard particularly dangerous. Unlike other industrial gases with distinct odors or colors, carbon dioxide provides no sensory warning as it accumulates to lethal levels.

This is why OSHA mandates continuous air monitoring in workspaces using infrared sensors with alarms set at 5,000 ppm. This early warning system allows workers to evacuate before CO₂ reaches dangerous concentrations.

Does Dry Ice Create Explosion Hazards?

Dry ice creates serious explosion hazards when stored in sealed containers due to rapid pressure buildup from sublimation. As the solid material transitions to gas, it generates pressures exceeding 56.5 atmospheres – enough to violently rupture most standard containers.

The expansion rate makes timing unpredictable. A sealed container might appear stable for hours before sudden catastrophic failure as internal pressure reaches critical levels.

Even seemingly robust containers like glass bottles or metal canisters cannot withstand the pressure generated by sublimating dry ice. The gas production continues regardless of container strength, making explosion inevitable.

To prevent incidents, Harvard University’s safety protocol specifically prohibits any airtight packaging, mandating only Styrofoam coolers with deliberate gas-ventilation holes. This approach prevents pressure accumulation while maintaining the cooling properties needed for transport and storage.

What Safety Protocols To Follow When Handling Dry Ice?

The key safety protocols to follow when handling dry ice include:

• Wearing adequate equipment – workers must wear loose-fitting cryogenic gloves made from aluminized fabric with thermal insulation – never standard work gloves or bare hands. Eye protection requires full-face shields to prevent corneal freezing during material fragmentation.
• Minimizing asphyxiation risks – respiratory protection is necessary when CO₂ concentrations exceed 3%. Supplied-air respirators provide the only reliable protection in spaces where gas buildup might occur, as standard filters cannot address oxygen displacement.
• Using vented containers – dry ice storage requires vented containers exclusively – never sealed packaging. Styrofoam coolers with deliberate ventilation holes allow gas escape while maintaining cooling properties. Walk-in freezers and other enclosed spaces must be avoided for storage due to gas accumulation risks.
• Following transportation guidelines – transportation limits packages to 2.5kg (5.5 lbs) with required CO₂ venting labels for commercial shipping. OSHA requires gas-permeable packaging and hazard communication sheets for all dry ice shipments.
• Ensuring careful disposal – dry ice disposal involves allowing remnants to sublimate in open, well-ventilated areas. Material should never be disposed of in sinks, drains, or enclosed spaces where gas buildup could create hazards for others.

Tread Carefully With Dry Ice

The combination of extreme cold, oxygen displacement, and explosion potential of dry ice creates multiple hazard pathways that can result in serious injury or death when safety measures are ignored.

The key to safe dry ice handling lies in understanding these hazards and implementing comprehensive safety systems that include proper PPE, ventilation monitoring, and storage protocols. As industrial applications continue to expand, maintaining these safety standards becomes increasingly critical for protecting workers and facilities.

Further Reading: What Is Dry Ice Blasting Used For?

Lawrence Haynes

Currently serving as Marketing Director at WestAir Gases & Equipment in San Diego, CA Lawrence leverages his expertise in industrial gas solutions and equipment marketing. With a proven track record in cross-industry marketing strategy, he brings a specialized experience in content development, marketing automation, and partner relations to the industrial gas sector.