Contact Hazard: At -109 °F (-79 °C), skin contact with dry ice is can lead to severe frostbite; skin cells freeze and become damaged very quickly.

Asphyxiation Hazard: Dry ice will sublime (change from solid to gas) at any temperature above -109 °F. This releases potentially substantial volumes of CO2 (1  pound solid = 250 liters gas), which can displace oxygen quickly in the air around the dry ice, causing difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness and death. This is especially of
concern in non- ventilated or confined spaces.

Explosion Hazard: Due to the rapid emission of large volumes of CO2 gas, any dry ice that is stored in a closed container can pressurize the container. Given enough time at normal room temperature, such a container may explode if the gas is not able to escape.

Occupational Exposure Limits: Eight-hour, time- weighted average is 5,000 parts per million (ppm);

Dry ice can come in flake, pellet or block forms. Use the following precautions when handling dry ice in any form:

• Wear appropriate eye protection, including goggles and/or a face shield, as well as a laboratory coat.
• Use tongs to handle dry ice when possible.
• Use loose-fitting, thermally insulated gloves to manually handle dry ice. Nitrile exam gloves will not provide enough protection. Never handle dry ice with bare hands.

• Always store dry ice in a well-ventilated location.
• Do not store dry ice in confined areas with limited ventilation. This includes cold rooms, walk-in refrigerators and environmental chambers.
• Never store dry ice in a tightly sealed container, such as a plastic or glass bottle, or any container with a screw-top lid that will not vent. Styrofoam is an
  appropriate storage material since it is both insulated and not airtight.
• To dispose of dry ice, place it in a well-ventilated area at room temperature; the remainder of the ice will sublimate away.
• Never dispose of dry ice in a trash can, chemical waste container or other garbage/waste can.
• Never dispose of dry ice in a sink, toilet or other fixture; the temperature difference can destroy the plumbing.
• Do not leave dry ice unattended in open areas.

• Only package dry ice in containers that are appropriate (i.e., non-sealable and not damaged by cold temperatures).
• All packaging must allow for release of CO2 gas. Never seal a container with dry ice in it.
• If you receive or see a container that appears swollen or bulging, or if you suspect dry ice is improperly placed in a sealed container, secure the area and call 9-1-1. Do not try to release pressure on your own, which can cause serious injury.
• When shipping commercially (e.g., FedEx, UPS, USPS), reference EH&S’s webpage on Shipping Hazardous Materials.
• Never place dry ice in the cab of a vehicle for transport
• If applicable, take the online class Category B and Dry Ice Shipping every two years.