Herolily provides commercial ice packs for industries that ship perishables, such as food, pathology samples, vaccines and even human organs. Specifically designed for the one-way transport of such items, our industrial ice packs are used for cold chain shipping and packaging applications.
In certain circumstances, our shipping ice packs can be used to replace dry ice. For many of us, dry ice is a mysterious substance. What exactly makes up dry ice and why does it emit smoke? Where did it even come from?
The Invention of Dry Ice
In 1835, French chemist Charles Thilorier noticed something unusual when he opened a cylinder containing liquid carbon dioxide. As the liquid began to evaporate, a residue of solid dry ice remained. For the next 60 years, scientists began studying this phenomenon.
What Is Dry Ice?
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide, which is created by using high amounts of pressure to compress carbon dioxide gas until it forms into a solid. When dry ice releases as a liquid form, it can expand to form different solid forms and shapes.
How Cold Is Dry Ice?
In its solid form, carbon dioxide can be as cold as -78 degrees Celsius, which is cold enough to burn your skin. If you ever handle dry ice, make sure that you are wearing heavy gloves or using tongs to handle it.
Is Dry Ice Dangerous?
If dry ice is properly handled and stored, it is not dangerous. However, improper usage could be extremely hazardous to your health. You already know that dry ice is cold enough to burn your skin but it can be dangerous when it sublimes.
Sublimation occurs when dry ice transforms from a solid to a gas. Even the smallest amounts of dry ice produce large volumes of a colorless, odorless gas. This gas removes oxygen from the surrounding air, which could asphyxiate (strangle) you. Therefore, it’s of utmost importance to handle dry ice in a well-ventilated area.
Dry Ice Can Cause Explosions
The process of sublimation can also build pressure inside a sealed container, resulting in a powerful explosion. If you stored dry ice in a glass jar, bottle, or other sealed containers, it could explode and cause internal frostbite if pieces of dry ice shot into your skin. Shards of glass could also severely injure you and your hearing could be permanently damaged from an explosion.
Can You Safely Dispose of Dry Ice?
The best way to dispose of dry ice is to place it in a well-ventilated area to allow it to sublime naturally. Do not pour it down a sink or toilet because it could damage the pipes.
Although dry ice is rather fascinating, it can be dangerous to your health. If you would like to safely ship your perishables without worrying about explosions, burning your skin or properly disposing of the substance, contact Herolily today.
You could be a perfect candidate for our non-toxic ice packs for shipping. See why companies such as MacDonald’s, eBay, Amazon, and Eat Organic use our products. Try our commercial ice packs today to experience the benefits of Herolily.