Dry Ice Burns: Hazards, Symptoms, and First Aid Awareness

Dry ice is carbon dioxide in solid form. Instead of melting into liquid, dry ice sublimates directly into carbon dioxide gas. Its temperature is extremely cold compared to water-based ice, and contact with skin can cause cold burns similar in presentation to thermal burns. Dry ice can also pose inhalation risks in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.

Workplace and first aid relevance (Canada)

Dry ice is used in food service, laboratories, shipping and logistics, and theatre/special effects. Workers and bystanders may encounter dry ice during packaging, cooling, or disposal. Awareness of both contact and inhalation hazards supports safer handling and emergency response planning.

Scenario story

At a café, Maya was unpacking a shipment of frozen pastries kept cold on dry ice. She accidentally touched a piece without gloves and felt an immediate cold sting. She pulled her hand away, rinsed with cool water, and mentioned the incident to her supervisor. Later, she was reminded that dry ice requires insulated gloves and good ventilation during storage.

Hazards of dry ice

Dry ice can cause injury through:

• Contact burns (cold burns) from direct skin contact

• Freezing of tissue, potentially causing blistering

• Inhalation of carbon dioxide gas in poorly ventilated areas, reducing oxygen levels

High concentrations of carbon dioxide may lead to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.

Why dry ice causes burns

Because dry ice sits at around -78.5°C (-109.3°F), brief contact can freeze skin cells. The injury resembles a burn and may vary from mild irritation to deeper damage depending on duration of exposure.

Safe handling practices

To reduce risk:

• Use insulated or heavy gloves when handling

• Avoid placing dry ice directly on counters, laps, or bare skin

• Ensure ventilation, especially in enclosed spaces, storage rooms, or vehicles

• Do not taste or swallow dry ice

• Dispose of dry ice where vapour can safely dissipate

First aid awareness for dry ice contact

If dry ice touches the skin:

• Move away from the source and assess the area

• Rinse or gently rewarm the affected skin with lukewarm (not hot) water

• Avoid using direct heat or ice

• Keep the area clean and protect from friction

Deep, blistering, or persistent symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Blisters and protection

Blisters from cold burns may protect underlying skin as healing begins. Avoid opening blisters intentionally, as this may increase infection risk. Covering the area with a clean, dry dressing can help protect from irritation.

Inhalation considerations

Because sublimation produces carbon dioxide gas, dry ice should not be stored in tight containers, small unventilated spaces, or vehicles for long periods. Anyone showing concerning symptoms after exposure to concentrated vapour should be assessed promptly.

Prevention and workplace considerations

• Provide insulated gloves and tongs for handling

• Use ventilation in storage and service areas

• Include dry ice safety in training for workers in food service, shipping, labs, and performing arts

• Label containers during transport to indicate dry ice contents

FAQ

Is a dry ice burn the same as a frostbite injury?
Cold burns from dry ice behave similarly to frostbite because skin cells freeze during contact.

Can dry ice be handled with regular kitchen gloves?
Regular fabric gloves may not offer enough insulation. Thick, insulated gloves or tongs are commonly recommended in workplace settings.

Is it safe to store dry ice in a freezer?
Dry ice may damage household freezers and can displace air in small spaces. Ventilated storage areas are safer.

What are signs of CO₂ vapour buildup?
People may notice fogging, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or headache in enclosed areas.

Do dry ice burns always need medical care?
Minor superficial burns may heal with supportive care, but deeper burns or blistering should be evaluated.

Educational note

This material supports public first aid and workplace safety awareness and does not replace emergency or clinical assessment when needed.