Recently, In a Café, a waiter mistakenly served dry ice instead of mouth freshener to five diners, resulting in their hospitalisation.
About Dry ice:
- Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO2) at a temperature of approximately -78.5°C (-109.3°F).
- It is formed by compressing and cooling gaseous carbon dioxide until it reaches its solid state without passing through the liquid phase, a process called deposition.
- Dry ice undergoes sublimation when exposed to warmer temperatures, transitioning directly from a solid to a gas, releasing CO2.
- It is commonly used as a cooling agent in various applications, such as preserving perishable items during shipping, creating special effects in the entertainment industry, and conducting experiments in laboratories due to its extreme cold temperature.
Effects on humans:
- Dry ice can be harmful to human beings if handled improperly or in poorly ventilated areas.
- Direct contact with dry ice can cause frostbite or burns due to its extremely low temperature.
- Additionally, as dry ice sublimates, it releases carbon dioxide gas, which can displace oxygen in poorly ventilated spaces, leading to asphyxiation in extreme cases.
- It is essential to handle dry ice with caution, wear protective gloves, and ensure adequate ventilation when using it to avoid injury or adverse health effects.
What happens when dry ice is accidentally consumed?
- Consuming dry ice can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.
- Dry ice when ingested, it can cause severe internal injuries.
- As it comes into contact with moisture in the mouth or digestive tract, dry ice rapidly sublimates, releasing large amounts of CO2.
- This can lead to a dangerous build-up of gas in the digestive system, causing bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, and potentially life-threatening complications such as perforation of the stomach or intestines, or even asphyxiation due to the displacement of oxygen.
- Immediate medical attention is crucial if someone ingests dry ice.
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