Dry Ice

INFORMATION AND PRECAUTIONS

DRY ICE INFORMATION

• Dry ice is preferable for keeping foods frozen or extremely cold because it turns to a gas, not water, as does wet ice.

• Dry ice can extend the life of wet ice by approximately 40 hours when small amounts of wet ice are placed on top of dry ice.

• Dry ice (or solidified carbon dioxide), has approximately 15 times more cooling capacity than wet ice of the same amount (weight), and can last approximately 5 times longer.

• When dry ice is used for Cooling, place in Bottom of cooler or insulated container. Do not allow food or cans to have direct contact. Place an insulating material between dry ice and product, such as cardboard, wet ice or paper.

• When dry ice is used for Freezing, place on Top of items you want frozen.

• Keep dry ice wrapped in paper (newspaper, paper bag, towels, etc.) for safety, and the insulation will extend the life of the dry ice.

• For temporary storage (up to 12 hours) of dry ice, placed wrapped ice in an insulated container. Do not store dry ice in a working freezer or refrigerator. The air flow will reduce the effective life of dry ice.

Caution: Dry ice temperature is -109.3oF.
(-78.5oC). Always handle dry ice with care, wear gloves at all times. If dry ice comes in contact with bare skin, injury similar to a burn will result.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is dry ice used for?

It can be used for different commercial and residential uses. Commercially, a lot of medical labs will use it for equipment. Restaurants use it to keep food cold, and plant companies use it during production. Other common residential uses are for experiments and science fairs. You can use it when your freezer breaks or is a longer-lasting substitute to wet ice in a cooler.

What is dry ice made from?

Dry ice is liquefied carbon dioxide that is frozen by injecting it into a holding tank. It is made into a solid ice form made into blocks, pellets, balls, and other forms.

How do you handle dry ice?

Be sure to wear protective gloves and equipment when handling dry ice. If your skin contacts the ice briefly, you will be fine. Prolonged contact is harmful and will cause frostbite since dry ice temperature is -109.3F.

How long Does Dry Ice Last?

Dry Ice Estimated Effective Cooling Time

5 Lb. – 18 Hrs.

10 Lb. – 36 Hrs.

7 Lb. – 24 Hrs.

15 Lb. – 48 Hrs.

20 Lbs. – 72 Hrs.

DRY ICE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

HANDLING
Caution: Dry ice temperature is -109.3oF.
(-78.5oC). Always handle dry ice with care, wear gloves at all times. If dry ice comes in contact with bare skin, injury similar to a burn will result.

STORAGE
Proper storage keeps your ice insulated, meaning it will last longer. Storage of dry ice will prevent carbon dioxide poisoning. Make sure to properly store your ice in containers and not just freezers, cellars or walk-in freezers. Ventilation and storage are vital parts to dry ice safety.

CARBON DIOXIDE POISONING

Carbon Dioxide can be hazardous to breathe in when the air concentration goes above 0.5%. Ventilate areas where the dry ice has been sitting out and not in a proper storage container for more than 10 minutes.

Signs of Carbon Dioxide Poisoning:

• Lips turning blue/purple
• Short and panting breathing

• Developing a strong headache quickly
• Fingernails turning blue

DRY ICE BURNS

Burns from dry ice can look like heat burns. First-degree burns will have the skin turn red or pink. If your skin starts to blister, call your doctor because this could be a second-degree burn.

Berry Cold Ice
Division of Berry's Arctic Ice

Phone: (800) 283-4162

Business Hours

Open 24 hours a day by phone
Call for emergency services

Distributing to:
Southwest Missouri, Northwest Arkansas, Central to Southeast Oklahoma, and Southeast Kansas.

Since 1996