Dry ice is used every day for food and beverage applications, shipping, laboratory work, special events, industrial processes, emergency refrigeration, and many other applications. But because dry ice is extremely cold and continuously releases carbon dioxide gas, it needs to be handled, stored, and transported properly.

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Unlike ordinary water ice, dry ice does not melt into a liquid under normal atmospheric conditions. Instead, it sublimates, changing directly from a solid into carbon dioxide gas.

Before you pick up or use dry ice from Maine Oxy, here are some important things to know.

What Is Dry Ice?

Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide. It has a surface temperature of approximately -109°F (-78.5°C), making it significantly colder than ordinary ice.

As dry ice warms, it changes directly from a solid into carbon dioxide gas through a process called sublimation. That makes dry ice useful for keeping products extremely cold without leaving liquid water behind.

However, its extremely low temperature and continuous release of carbon dioxide also create two important hazards:

• Cold-contact injuries. Direct contact with dry ice can cause severe frostbite or cold burns.
• Carbon dioxide exposure. CO₂ released by sublimating dry ice can accumulate in poorly ventilated or enclosed spaces and create a dangerous atmosphere.

Dry ice can be used safely when these hazards are understood and appropriate precautions are taken.

Can You Touch Dry Ice?

Do not handle dry ice with bare hands. At approximately -109°F, dry ice can rapidly freeze skin tissue and cause an injury similar to a burn.

When handling dry ice:

• Wear insulated gloves appropriate for handling extremely cold materials.
• Use tongs or other suitable handling tools when appropriate.
• Avoid prolonged contact, even while wearing gloves.
• Protect your eyes from pieces that could chip or break during handling.
• Never place dry ice in your mouth or allow it to contact bare skin.

Children should not handle dry ice without appropriate adult supervision.

Why Does Dry Ice Need Ventilation?

As dry ice sublimates, it releases carbon dioxide gas. In an open or adequately ventilated space, that gas can disperse into the surrounding air.

In an enclosed or poorly ventilated area, however, carbon dioxide can accumulate to dangerous concentrations.

Potential problem areas include:

• Cars and SUVs.
• Truck cabs.
• Walk-in coolers or freezers.
• Small storage rooms.
• Basements.
• Elevators.
• Enclosed trailers.
• Other confined or low-ventilation spaces.

Carbon dioxide is colorless and odorless, so dangerous concentrations may not be obvious.

Never assume an area is safe simply because you cannot see or smell anything unusual.

Can Dry Ice Be Stored in an Airtight Container?

No. Never store dry ice in a sealed or airtight container.

Dry ice continually changes into carbon dioxide gas. If that gas cannot escape, pressure can build inside the container and potentially cause it to rupture.

Instead, dry ice should be stored in an insulated container that is designed to allow carbon dioxide gas to escape.

A suitable dry ice storage container should:

• Provide good insulation.
• Allow carbon dioxide gas to vent.
• Be kept in an adequately ventilated area.
• Be protected from unnecessary heat.
• Be clearly identified when appropriate.

Never place dry ice inside a tightly sealed bottle, jar, cooler, pressure vessel, or other container that does not allow gas to escape.

Can You Put Dry Ice in a Cooler?

Yes. An insulated cooler is commonly used to store or transport dry ice, provided the cooler is not airtight and carbon dioxide gas can escape.

Dry ice will continue to sublimate inside the cooler, so some ventilation is necessary to prevent pressure from building.

When using dry ice in a cooler:

• Use a cooler suitable for dry ice or confirm that the manufacturer permits its use.
• Do not latch or seal the cooler in a way that prevents gas from escaping.
• Wear insulated gloves when adding or removing dry ice.
• Keep food or products that could be damaged by extreme cold appropriately separated from direct contact with the dry ice.
• Keep the cooler in a well-ventilated location.

If you are transporting the cooler in a vehicle, additional ventilation precautions are important.

Can You Transport Dry Ice in a Car or SUV?

Dry ice can release significant amounts of carbon dioxide gas while it is being transported. Transporting dry ice inside an enclosed passenger vehicle can allow CO₂ to accumulate.

Whenever possible, transport dry ice in a vehicle or cargo area that provides adequate ventilation and separates the dry ice from the passenger compartment.

If dry ice must be transported in a passenger vehicle:

• Keep the trip as direct as practical.
• Provide continuous outside-air ventilation.
• Do not rely solely on recirculated cabin air.
• Keep the dry ice inside an appropriate insulated container that allows gas to escape.
• Do not leave dry ice unattended in a closed vehicle.

A closed vehicle containing dry ice should never be treated as a storage area.

If you are unsure whether your vehicle or transportation setup is appropriate for the quantity of dry ice you are purchasing, ask a Maine Oxy team member before leaving the store.

Can Dry Ice Be Left in a Parked Car?

Dry ice should not be left inside a closed, parked passenger vehicle.

Carbon dioxide continues to be released as the dry ice sublimates, even when the vehicle is not moving. With the windows and doors closed, CO₂ can accumulate inside the vehicle.

Dry ice should be transported to its destination promptly and moved to an appropriate, ventilated storage location.

How Should Dry Ice Be Stored?

Dry ice should be stored in a well-insulated container located in an adequately ventilated area.

For safe storage:

• Use an appropriate insulated container. Insulation slows sublimation and helps the dry ice last longer.
• Never use an airtight container. Carbon dioxide gas must be able to escape.
• Provide adequate ventilation. Do not store dry ice in small enclosed rooms or other areas where CO₂ could accumulate.
• Limit unnecessary access. Keep dry ice away from children and anyone unfamiliar with its hazards.
• Wear proper PPE. Use insulated gloves and appropriate eye protection when handling dry ice.

Commercial facilities that routinely store significant quantities of dry ice may require additional ventilation, carbon dioxide monitoring, signage, procedures, or other controls based on the facility and application.

Can Dry Ice Be Stored in a Walk-In Freezer?

Extra caution is required when storing dry ice in a walk-in cooler, freezer, or other enclosed cold-storage area.

Dry ice continues to release carbon dioxide regardless of the surrounding temperature. Because these spaces may have limited fresh-air ventilation, CO₂ can potentially accumulate inside them.

Businesses using dry ice in enclosed storage areas should evaluate ventilation, storage quantity, employee exposure, and whether carbon dioxide monitoring or other controls are appropriate.

Never enter an area where a dangerous carbon dioxide concentration is known or suspected unless the situation is being handled by appropriately trained and equipped personnel.

What Are the Symptoms of Too Much Carbon Dioxide Exposure?

Elevated carbon dioxide concentrations can affect the body quickly. Symptoms can vary depending on concentration and exposure time.

Possible symptoms of excessive CO₂ exposure can include:

• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Rapid breathing.
• Increased heart rate.
• Confusion or impaired judgment.
• Loss of consciousness at sufficiently high concentrations.

If you suspect that carbon dioxide is accumulating in an enclosed area, do not enter the area to investigate unless it has been determined safe to do so. Move to fresh air and contact appropriate emergency personnel when necessary.

What Should You Do If Dry Ice Touches Your Skin?

Contact with dry ice can cause frostbite or a serious cold-contact injury.

If an injury occurs, stop handling the dry ice and seek appropriate first aid or medical attention based on the severity of the injury.

Do not rub or massage frozen tissue, and do not use excessively hot water or direct heat on the affected area.

Serious or extensive cold injuries should receive prompt medical evaluation.

Can You Eat or Drink Dry Ice?

No. Dry ice should never be swallowed or placed directly in the mouth.

Dry ice is sometimes used to create fog effects or cool food and beverages, but solid pieces of dry ice should never be consumed.

If dry ice is used around food or beverages, it must be handled in a way that prevents anyone from swallowing or directly contacting remaining pieces of solid dry ice.

Always follow applicable food-safety requirements and established procedures for the specific application.

How Do You Safely Dispose of Dry Ice?

Dry ice does not need to be thrown away like ordinary trash. It will naturally sublimate into carbon dioxide gas.

To dispose of unused dry ice, allow it to sublimate in a secure, well-ventilated area where people and animals cannot accidentally contact it.

Do not dispose of dry ice:

• In a sink.
• In a toilet.
• Down a drain or sewer.
• In a tightly closed trash container.
• Inside any sealed container.

The extreme cold can damage some plumbing and surfaces, while carbon dioxide gas can accumulate if the dry ice is confined.

Why Might a Maine Oxy Employee Ask About Your Vehicle or Container?

If a Maine Oxy employee asks how you plan to transport your dry ice, we're trying to make sure you have an appropriate way to get it to your destination safely.

Our team may ask:

• What type of vehicle you're using.
• Where the dry ice will be placed.
• What type of container you're using.
• How far you're traveling.
• How much dry ice you're purchasing.

If your transportation or storage method creates a safety concern, we may recommend a different approach before you leave.

Our goal is simple: help you get the dry ice you need while making sure you understand how to handle and transport it safely.

Before You Pick Up Dry Ice

A little preparation can make picking up dry ice safer and easier.

Before arriving at Maine Oxy, consider bringing:

• An insulated container or cooler appropriate for dry ice.
• Insulated gloves suitable for handling extremely cold materials.
• Eye protection when appropriate.
• A vehicle with an adequately ventilated cargo area.
• A plan to move the dry ice promptly to an appropriate storage location.

Remember that your container must allow carbon dioxide gas to escape.

If you're unsure what type of container to bring or how to transport the quantity you're purchasing, contact your local Maine Oxy location before pickup.

Quick Dry Ice Safety Checklist

Before handling or transporting dry ice, make sure:

• You are wearing appropriate insulated gloves.
• You understand that dry ice can cause frostbite or cold burns.
• Your storage container is insulated but not airtight.
• Carbon dioxide gas can escape from the container.
• The storage or transportation area has adequate ventilation.
• You are not leaving dry ice unattended inside a closed vehicle.
• Children and unauthorized individuals cannot access the dry ice.
• You have a safe, ventilated location where unused dry ice can sublimate.

If you're unsure about any of these items, ask a Maine Oxy team member. We're happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dry Ice Safety Starts With Proper Handling

Dry ice is an effective cooling and refrigeration tool used across food and beverage, healthcare, laboratory, industrial, shipping, manufacturing, and other applications.

Safe use starts with understanding two things: dry ice is extremely cold, and it continuously releases carbon dioxide gas.

Protect your skin, use the right container, provide adequate ventilation, and never confine dry ice inside a sealed container or poorly ventilated space.

If you're purchasing dry ice from Maine Oxy and have questions about handling, storage, or transportation, ask us before you leave. Our team is here to help.

Dry Ice Safety Resources

This article provides general safety information and is not a substitute for applicable laws, regulations, codes, Safety Data Sheets, manufacturer instructions, workplace procedures, or product-specific requirements.

Maine Oxy recommends consulting applicable guidance from the Compressed Gas Association (CGA), NIOSH, OSHA, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT/PHMSA), and other relevant regulatory and industry organizations.

Relevant resources include: