Avoid These Common Mistakes When Dealing With Dry Ice
Dry ice is a versatile substance that has many commercial and household applications. Whether you’re using it for Halloween decorations or as an emergency food storage option, handling it with care is essential. To ensure your safety, here are some common mistakes to avoid when working with dry ice.
No Protection When Handling Dry Ice
It is important to handle dry ice with care as it is colder than regular ice and can cause burns or frostbite if not protected. But don’t worry, you don’t need any special gear. Simply using an oven mitt, towel, or protective gloves will suffice when handling dry ice.
Using Dry Ice In Advance
If you purchase your dry ice too early, it may not be available when needed. This is because dry ice will turn into carbon dioxide gas once removed from the freezer. A 10lb block of dry ice typically lasts 24 hours in a regular cooler. We suggest waiting until the last minute to buy your dry ice.
Using Air Tight Lids
To extend dry ice’s lifespan, storing it in a cooler is advisable. But, as the dry ice undergoes sublimation, it transforms from a solid state to a gas form of carbon dioxide. If there is inadequate ventilation, it can cause carbon dioxide gas to accumulate and eventually rupture your cooler. For this reason, it is recommended that you handle dry ice in a properly ventilated area.
Improper Disposal Of Dry Ice
When you have extra dry ice, throwing it away or melting it down in your sink may be tempting. However, doing so can cause more harm than good. Discarding dry ice in a trash can can create an explosion if left in an airtight container. Additionally, regular ice melts slowly. Therefore, attempting to run it under hot water or flush it down the toilet can cause permanent damage to your plumbing. It’s always best to dispose of it properly by letting it sublimate outside. If you need it to clean faster, you can break it into smaller pieces and pour warm water.
Order Your Dry Ice Online Today!
Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our ice is fresh and delivered right to your doorstep. We are happy to help you determine the best way to ship your goods, whether you have a huge number of cookies or a single pie, and help you select the perfect amount of dry ice for the job. Give us a call at (201) 767-3200, or contact us online for a quote. To connect with us online, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
