Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide. Unlike regular ice, which melts into liquid water, dry ice sublimates, meaning it transitions directly from a solid to a gas. Combined with its extremely low temperature (-109.3°F or -78.5°C), this unique trait makes dry ice a valuable tool in various industries and applications—from aerospace to healthcare.
One of the most common ways it’s used is for food preservation. Dry ice’s low temperature can help keep food and beverages cold for extended periods to prevent spoilage. Dry ice can also be used to rapidly freeze or cool biological samples, preserving their integrity for analysis. Beyond professional use, the sublimation of dry ice can produce a dense fog or mist, adding a dramatic and atmospheric effect that’s great for holidays like Halloween!
Due to its intense cold, however, direct contact can cause severe frostbite. The release of carbon dioxide gas can also pose serious health risks if handling the dry ice goes wrong. So, before you work with dry ice, it’s important to learn safety tips! Let’s take a look at what you can do to stay protected while handling or storing this material.