Dry ice, while often viewed as harmless when used for refrigeration or special effects, can turn deadly if mishandled. This solid form of carbon dioxide can become extremely hazardous when not stored or used properly, particularly in enclosed spaces. Although carbon dioxide is not toxic in small amounts, it can displace breathable oxygen, creating a dangerous environment that leads to suffocation.

A recent tragic incident in Washington state highlights the very real risks dry ice can pose. In this case, an ice cream salesman’s decision to store dry ice in his car led to a fatal outcome, as one person lost their life and another remains hospitalized. This heartbreaking event serves as a sobering reminder that dry ice, while useful, must be treated with the utmost caution and respect.

The Tragic Accident

In what started as a routine task, an ice cream salesman had stored coolers filled with dry ice in the back of his car, a common practice in his line of work to keep his products frozen. But the situation took a tragic turn when his wife borrowed the vehicle to drive his elderly mother, Hildegard Whiting, home. Unbeknownst to them, the dry ice inside the coolers began to slowly evaporate, releasing carbon dioxide gas into the confined space of the car’s cabin.

As authorities later reported, the carbon dioxide vapors seeped out of the coolers, gradually filling the vehicle and displacing the oxygen in the air. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air, so the gas began to accumulate inside the car, creating a lethal atmosphere. The two women—Hildegard, 77, and her daughter-in-law—were found hours later, unconscious inside the parked car just blocks from their destination. The vehicle had come to a stop on the side of the road, a grim testament to how quickly the situation had deteriorated.

Hildegard Whiting’s death was later confirmed to be caused by suffocation due to carbon dioxide poisoning, according to the Pierce County Medical Examiners. Tragically, she had lost consciousness and passed away in the carbon dioxide-filled vehicle before help could arrive. Her daughter-in-law was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, narrowly escaping the same fate. The rapid buildup of carbon dioxide from the dry ice had deprived them both of oxygen, leading to this devastating outcome.

Despite its frequent use in industries like food transportation and scientific experiments, dry ice is often regarded as a relatively safe substance. However, this incident highlights the potential dangers that can arise under specific conditions, particularly when dry ice is used in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly benign substances can be deadly when mishandled, emphasizing the importance of understanding the risks associated with dry ice and how it interacts with its environment.

Staying Safe With Dry Ice

Dry ice can be incredibly useful, but it also poses significant risks if not stored and handled correctly. The key to preventing accidents lies in understanding proper storage methods. Dry ice must be kept in an insulated container, ideally one that is thick enough to slow the rate of sublimation. However, it is crucial to avoid storing dry ice in airtight containers. Without proper ventilation, the pressure inside the container can build up as the ice evaporates, potentially causing the container to expand or even explode.

Avoid Enclosed Spaces

Experts warn that dry ice should never be stored in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Rooms like cellars, car trunks, or boat holds are especially hazardous. When dry ice sublimates—meaning it transitions from a solid directly into a gas—it releases carbon dioxide, which can accumulate quickly in these confined spaces. Martin Cohen, senior lecturer at the University of Washington’s Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Science, explained that, “Over time, [the ice] evaporated directly from solid to produce carbon dioxide gas.”

Understanding Carbon Dioxide Poisoning

To grasp the dangers of dry ice, it’s important to understand how carbon dioxide (CO2) affects the air we breathe. Normally, the air consists of approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and a very small amount of carbon dioxide—around 0.035%. When dry ice evaporates, it significantly increases the concentration of CO2 in the air, which can cause someone to lose consciousness almost instantly if the oxygen level drops too low.

Symptoms and Effects of Hypercapnia

When carbon dioxide levels rise and oxygen levels fall, a condition known as hypercapnia, or carbon dioxide poisoning, can occur. Hypercapnia begins with symptoms like shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and an intense feeling of panic as the body struggles to get enough oxygen. This can quickly lead to unconsciousness. If the person isn’t moved to a fresh-air environment and the CO2 levels remain elevated, the lack of oxygen can cause irreversible damage to the body’s organs, ultimately leading to death.

The Science Behind Dry Ice: How It Works and Why It’s Dangerous

Dry ice, or solid carbon dioxide, is often used in a variety of industries, from food transportation to scientific research, due to its extremely low temperature and ability to sublimate, which means it transitions from a solid directly into a gas without passing through a liquid state. This sublimation process occurs at -78.5°C (-109.3°F), making dry ice an efficient and cost-effective cooling agent. However, it’s precisely this process that makes it dangerous when handled improperly.

Why Is Dry Ice Hazardous?

The primary danger associated with dry ice comes from the gas it releases. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is heavier than air, meaning that when dry ice sublimates, the gas will sink and accumulate in low-lying, enclosed areas, such as basements, cars, or even poorly ventilated rooms. When CO2 levels rise, the concentration of oxygen in the air decreases, creating an environment that can lead to suffocation, even in just a few minutes.

Potential Health Risks

Inhaling concentrated CO2 from dry ice can lead to a range of health risks, including:

• Shortness of breath: As CO2 replaces oxygen, individuals can experience difficulty breathing, leading to rapid, shallow breaths.
• Dizziness and disorientation: A lack of oxygen can cause confusion, dizziness, and a loss of coordination.
• Unconsciousness and suffocation: If the oxygen levels drop too low, a person can quickly lose consciousness, and in severe cases, suffocate.

Handling and Safety Precautions

Dry ice can be safely used if certain precautions are taken:

• Ventilation is key: Always ensure that any space where dry ice is used or stored is well-ventilated. Rooms, vehicles, and containers without adequate air circulation can quickly become dangerous.
• Wear protective gear: Because dry ice is extremely cold, it should never be handled with bare hands. Prolonged skin contact can cause frostbite, so always wear insulated gloves and safety goggles to protect your skin and eyes.
• Use in open or spacious areas: If you must transport dry ice, keep the windows open to allow carbon dioxide to escape. Never transport dry ice in the trunk of a car or any other sealed compartment.

Emergency Response

If someone is exposed to high levels of CO2 from dry ice, immediate action is necessary:

• Move to fresh air: Quickly remove the person from the CO2-contaminated area and take them to a place with plenty of oxygen.
• Seek medical attention: If the individual is unconscious or experiencing difficulty breathing, call emergency services immediately. Time is critical when dealing with carbon dioxide exposure.
• Administer oxygen if trained: In some cases, administering oxygen can help stabilize the person until medical professionals arrive.

Practical Uses of Dry Ice and How to Mitigate Risks

Dry ice is widely used across various industries due to its unique properties. While it poses risks if mishandled, its benefits in specific applications cannot be ignored. Understanding where and how dry ice is used, alongside best practices, can help prevent accidents and ensure safety.

Common Uses of Dry Ice

1. Food Preservation: Dry ice is frequently used to transport perishable goods like seafood, meat, and ice cream. Its ability to maintain extremely low temperatures without melting makes it a preferred choice in shipping.
2. Special Effects: In theaters, concerts, and films, dry ice is often employed to create dramatic fog effects. As dry ice sublimates, the carbon dioxide gas mixes with moisture in the air, producing a thick, low-hanging fog.
3. Medical Applications: Hospitals and laboratories use dry ice to preserve biological samples, such as vaccines, tissues, and organs. Its cold temperature helps ensure the integrity of these materials during storage and transportation.
4. Pest Control and Cleaning: In some industries, dry ice is used to fumigate or clean hard-to-reach areas. It can also be used to kill mold or freeze off pests in non-toxic ways.

Mitigating Risks in Practical Use

Despite its usefulness, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risks associated with dry ice:

• Transportation and Storage: If dry ice is being used in shipping or storage, ensure the container is insulated but not sealed airtight. This prevents dangerous pressure buildup. Additionally, if dry ice is being transported in a vehicle, make sure there is adequate ventilation to avoid the buildup of CO2 inside the cabin.
• Special Effects Precautions: When used for special effects, especially indoors, it’s important to monitor the amount of CO2 being released. Ventilation systems should be in place to ensure that the gas doesn’t accumulate to hazardous levels, especially in confined areas like theaters.
• Labeling and Awareness: Ensure that any package containing dry ice is clearly labeled. People handling it should be aware of the dangers, including the risks of frostbite and suffocation, so they can take proper precautions.
• Education and Training: Anyone working with or around dry ice should receive training on its safe handling, including first-aid measures in case of overexposure to carbon dioxide. Knowledge is one of the most effective tools in mitigating risks.

Conclusion 

Without using the proper storage and handling techniques, dry ice can be a dangerous substance capable of severe injury and death. Treating this substance with care and responsibility is vital to ensuring the safety of yourself and anyone around you who might come into contact with the dry ice.

Written by Abbey Ryan-Elder

1. https://www.thoughtco.com/why-is-dry-ice-dangerous-606401
2. https://abcnews.go.com/US/woman-dies-dry-ice-back-car-seattle/story?id=56937163
3. http://dryiceinfo.com/safe.htm
4. http://www.actforlibraries.org/dry-ice-can-kill/