Utilize These Practical Tips When Handling Dry Ice This Summer
We are now in the season with some of the highest temperatures we will see for a long, so many people are searching for ways to cool off. The cost of using only air conditioning can add up quickly, and other options like keeping windows open and using fans seem only to circulate the already oppressively hot air. Therefore, many Americans are searching for fresh ideas on how to stay cool this summer. Although dry ice is a fantastic method to stay cool in hot weather, there are many safety considerations that you should be aware of before bringing some home. Here are some tips for using dry ice for those hot summer days.
Dry Ice Can Be Harmful
Because dry ice is so cold, everything around it will become cooler. Dry ice, however, is considered dangerously cold, which means that it can seriously damage you if it makes direct contact with your skin. The frozen form of CO2 is known as “dry ice,” with a freezing point of almost -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit! Direct contact with dry ice can rapidly produce frostbite, which is extremely painful and hazardous to the skin. Always try to utilize metal tools or prongs while manipulating the ice. If you have to handle it directly, put on heavy, insulated gloves that endure low temperatures.
Protection From Gas Emissions
Secondly, this type of ice is a solid form of CO2. Although a lot of CO2 is found naturally in the atmosphere, our bodies know how to filter it out. But, when breathed indirectly in a concentrated way, such as when the ice sublimates, it can cause health problems such as headaches or nausea. Therefore, always make sure to use the ice either outdoors or in a very well-ventilated area. In other words, treat dry ice like any toxic substance that produces noxious fumes.
Protect Your Eyes
The last thing to note about dry ice is that if it comes into prolonged close contact with your eyes, the vapors it sublimates can irritate their fragile membranes. Therefore, it is preferable to use safety goggles while handling ice up close for an extended amount of time or in an area that isn’t adequately ventilated, such as when transporting it.
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.
