For those of you who work as organizers of large events, most likely dry ice, or better known as dry ice, is a common object. Generally, dry ice is sold in the form of flakes, pellets, or chunks, and is often used to keep certain items cool when transported from one place to another, to produce a smoke effect on stage, or even as an object of scientific experimentation. After use, of course dry ice must be discarded, and the safest method of doing this is to return dry ice to its original form, namely gas, by keeping it in an open, well-ventilated area. Never leave dry ice in a tightly closed room or container to prevent the container from exploding, nor to the risk of carbon dioxide poisoning.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Letting Dry Ice Sublimate
Step 1. Wear gloves with a good insulation system for handling dry ice
Remember, very cold dry ice can easily injure your hands! If you touch dry ice for just a few seconds, your hands will definitely burn immediately or experience frostbite (damage to skin tissue due to exposure to temperatures that are too cold). Therefore, never touch dry ice without wearing gloves with a good insulation system so that the ice does not have to come into direct contact with your hands.
- In particular, heat-resistant gloves or gloves specially designed to keep out winter air are suitable for handling dry ice for very short periods of time (only a few seconds).
- Nitrile gloves will not protect your skin from dry ice.
- If possible, use food tongs to remove dry ice.
Step 2. Put dry ice in an open space with a good ventilation system; wait for the ice to sublimate completely
When left in a room with a temperature of less than -78 degrees Celsius, dry ice will slowly sublimate into gas. That's why you need to put dry ice in an open space with a good ventilation system, so that carbon dioxide gas can escape without harming anyone. Make sure the ice is also placed in a container made of Styrofoam or thick plastic so that the extremely cold temperatures don't damage the floor of your house.
- For example, place dry ice in a large room with an open window, or on a secure balcony.
- If possible, choose an area that you rarely visit to minimize your risk of exposure to carbon dioxide gas.
- Never place dry ice on tiles or countertops as they can be damaged when exposed to very cold ice temperatures.
Step 3. Let the dry ice sit for at least 1 day until it completely sublimates
Although it really depends on the amount, it is likely that dry ice will take several days to turn into gas. Therefore, let dry ice in an area with a good ventilation system for 1 full day, then observe the condition. While the ice is in the process of subliming, don't stay in the area for too long to minimize the risk of exposure to carbon dioxide gas, OK!
- In general, 4 kg of dry ice takes about 24 hours to completely sublimate.
- Dry ice chips will take longer to melt than dry ice chips or flakes.
Method 2 of 2: Avoiding the Problem
Step 1. Do not throw dry ice in public places
Remember, leaving dry ice in public or shared areas can be dangerous to the health of others! In addition to being able to burn other people when accidentally coming into contact with dry ice, the risk of carbon dioxide buildup causing oxygen deficiency is very high. Therefore, always store or dispose of dry ice in a place out of the reach of the public.
Make sure the area is also inaccessible to animals to prevent the same risk befalling them
Step 2. Never throw dry ice in the trash or trash can
As previously explained, dry ice should be allowed to sublimate in a well-ventilated area. If placed in a narrow and/or closed space, the carbon dioxide that is formed and accumulates is prone to triggering an explosion, which of course risks endangering the lives of those around it. Therefore, never throw dry ice in the trash or trash cans that are generally provided in flats, apartments, condominiums, or other high-rise buildings.
The resulting explosion may result in injury or property damage
Step 3. Do not throw dry ice in the toilet or sink hole
Be careful, dry ice that is too cold can immediately damage the drain pipe and toilet parts. If ordinary ice cubes can melt immediately when thrown in the closet, dry ice is actually not the case. Therefore, while dumping dry ice in the toilet or sink is the quickest and easiest way, it is likely to cause permanent damage to your plumbing system.
Step 4. Store dry ice in a container capable of trapping the production of carbon dioxide gas from dry ice
Before disposing of it, do not put dry ice in a container that is not specifically intended for storing dry ice. Instead, use a cooler or dry ice container with good insulation, such as one made of Styrofoam; both can be purchased at various online stores or even shipping companies.
- Generally, containers that are not specifically intended to store dry ice have poor insulation or ventilation systems, making them less safe to use to store dry ice.
- Styrofoam is the right material to use for storing dry ice, mainly because of its excellent insulating ability, but it is not airtight.
Step 5. Put dry ice in the trunk of the vehicle in case you have to move it elsewhere
Be careful, the carbon dioxide gas released by dry ice can quickly fill the cabin or small passenger seating area. As a result, drivers and passengers of vehicles can easily get sick or become disoriented, which will automatically increase the risk of accidents. Therefore, always place dry ice transported by car in the trunk.
It is best not to transport dry ice for too long
Tips
- Keep dry ice away from children and pets!
- If the skin is injured from exposure to dry ice, please treat it as you would a normal burn.
- Always open doors or windows when using dry ice to keep air circulating in the room.
- Some of the symptoms of the body being exposed to excess carbon dioxide are headaches, difficulty breathing, nausea, and vomiting.
