Dry ice can enhance the atmosphere of a spooky haunted house, cool food during shipment, and enliven a science experiment. The billowing white fog is magically fun.

However, can’t be handled like standard ice. It’s comprised of solid carbon dioxide (CO2) frozen at an extreme temperature of -109.3°F (-78.5°C). Because of this extreme cold and the chemical properties of CO2, it requires much greater caution than ice cubes in your freezer. Mishandling it can lead to severe frostbite, respiratory issues, or even explosions.

If you use dry ice for an event or project, prioritize safety to prevent injuries. Here’s how:

1. Wear Protective Gloves (No Exceptions)

Frostbite, often called an “ice burn,” is the most common injury from dry ice. Dry ice damages skin almost instantly.

  • When your warm skin touches the -109.3°F surface, the heat transfer is so rapid that it freezes your skin cells and tissues, causing damage similar to a heat burn.
  • Wear heavy-duty gloves like leather work gloves or thick, insulated winter gloves for protection. Avoid thin latex gloves or homemade mittens.
  • For brief handling with tongs, oven mitts may be enough. For longer handling, use loose gloves so you can remove them quickly if needed.
  • Never touch with bare skin, even for a second.” It is not worth the risk of painful blistering and skin damage.

2. Store in an Insulated, Breathable Container

Storage mistakes can be dangerous. Dry ice must be kept cold, but never sealed completely.

  • Dry ice sublimates — going from solid to gas as it warms. As it does, it expands.
  • Storing dry ice in an airtight container can cause gas pressure to build until it explodes, sending shrapnel and possibly causing injury.
  • Store dry ice in a Styrofoam or insulated cooler with the lid slightly open. Styrofoam insulates well and lets gas escape.
  • Wrap the dry ice block in newspaper or a towel inside the cooler to slow sublimation and reduce air space.

3. Prioritize Ventilation

Dry ice releases colorless, odorless carbon dioxide. In high concentrations, CO2 is dangerous.

  • CO2 is heavier than oxygen. As dry ice sublimates, it displaces oxygen near the floor in enclosed spaces, posing a risk of asphyxiation.
  • If you feel dizzy, short of breath, or develop a headache near dry ice, leave the area immediately. These are early CO2 exposure signs.
  • When transporting dry ice, avoid placing it in the passenger cabin. If unavoidable, roll down windows for airflow. Transport in the trunk if it’s not airtight.
  • Be particularly careful in basements or sunken living rooms, as the gas will pool in the lowest available areas.

4. Keep Children & Pets at a Safe Distance

Dry ice bubbles, smokes, and slides, attracting children and pets.

  • Never leave dry ice unattended. A child might try to pick it up, or a dog might try to lick it. Both scenarios can result in severe burns to hands, mouths, or internal passageways.
  • If you’re using dry ice to create low-lying fog on the floor, remember that this is where the CO2 concentration is highest. Small pets and toddlers are closer to the ground and at higher risk of inhaling too much CO2.
  • With older children, explain and demonstrate dry ice safety. If you can’t supervise, keep dry ice locked away or out of reach.

5. Hire Professionals for Large Effects

For large fog effects, DIY may not be the best.

  • Professionals know exactly how much ice is needed for the desired effect and have the industrial equipment to disperse it safely.
  • A professional team, like the experts at Crystal Ice, can assess your venue’s ventilation. They know how to direct airflow so the fog looks great without endangering guests on the dance floor.
  • Handling 50+ pounds of dry ice is a logistical challenge. Pros handle the delivery, the setup, and, importantly, the removal of any unused product, freeing you up to enjoy the event.

Proper Disposal of Dry Ice

After your event, never throw leftover dry ice in the trash or flush it down the toilet.

  • Extreme cold can crack the porcelain in your toilet bowl or freeze water in your pipes, causing them to burst.
  • Putting it in a trash can (especially indoors) allows gas to build up and displaces oxygen in your home.
  • The best way to dispose of dry ice is to let it sublime naturally in a well-ventilated area.
    • Take the cooler outside or to a well-ventilated, secure area.
    • Open the lid of the cooler.
    • Leave it alone. The atmosphere will do the rest.
    • Ensure this area is not accessible to animals or children.

Safe Transportation Tips

Transporting dry ice takes planning — don’t just toss it in your car and go.

  • Pick up dry ice just before you need it. Even in a good cooler, it sublimates at a rate of 5-10 pounds per day.
  • Put cardboard or a blanket between the dry ice cooler and your car’s upholstery to protect against cold damage.
  • Crack a window during transport. Even a small opening prevents CO2 buildup.

Creative (and Safe) Uses for Dry Ice

Once you master dry ice safety, you can use it for more than chilling food.

  • Flash freezing produce: Gardeners use dry ice to flash-freeze berries and vegetables. This preserves the texture better than a slow freezer freeze.
  • Mosquito trap: Mosquitoes are attracted to CO2. You can use small amounts of dry ice away from your gathering area to lure mosquitoes away from your guests.
  • Removing floor tiles: The thermal shock of dry ice can shrink floor tiles, popping them loose from the adhesive and making renovation much easier.
  • Dent removal: On occasion, applying dry ice to a small car dent can cause the metal to contract and “pop” the dent back out (though this depends on the metal and dent type).

FAQs About Dry Ice Safety

Can I eat dry ice if it is in a drink?

Never eat dry ice. It’s safe for cooling, but swallowing it can freeze or rupture tissue. Wait for it to disappear before drinking.

How long does dry ice last?

Dry ice sublimates at about 1% per hour, or 5-10 pounds per 24 hours, depending on the cooler. Buy it close to the event.

Can I store dry ice in my home freezer?

Don’t store dry ice in your freezer. It’s much colder, so you can shut off the thermostat, thaw food, and damage plastic parts or seals.

What should I do if I get a dry ice burn?

Treat dry ice burns as you would heat burns. Use lukewarm water, avoid rubbing, apply the ointment, and lightly bandage it. If the skin blisters or turns white, get medical help.

Is dry ice flammable?

No, dry ice is carbon dioxide, which is non-flammable. In fact, CO2 is often used in fire extinguishers to put out fires by displacing oxygen.

Why is my dry ice “singing” or vibrating?

When dry ice comes into contact with a warm surface, sublimation creates a vibrating gas layer and a squeal. It’s normal.

Can I break dry ice into smaller pieces?

Yes, safely. Wrap the block in a towel and hit it with a hammer. Don’t strike directly and always wear goggles.

Where can I buy dry ice?

You can usually find dry ice at grocery stores (ask customer service), specialized ice manufacturing companies, or some big-box retailers. Call ahead to check stock, as it often sells out during holidays like Halloween.