Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We hope this Dry Ice FAQ answers your questions.

What is dry ice?

Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO2).

How is dry ice different from regular ice?

Dry ice is made from carbon dioxide (CO2). Water ice is H2O in its solid-state. Whereas water ice transitions from solid (ice) into liquid (water) when warmed, dry ice instead sublimates (at −78.5 °C; −109.3 °F) from a solid straight into a gas. This is the “fog” effect you may have seen created by dry ice.

How is dry ice made?

Dry ice is made by pressurizing and cooling carbon dioxide gas (CO2) into a liquid. The liquid is then injected into a pellet form (using a pelletizer) or block form (using a block press). Read more and see a few pictures at Continental Carbonic.

When was dry ice invented?

Adrien-Jean-Pierre Thilorier first claimed to have produced dry ice in 1835.

What is dry ice used for?

We built a comprehensive page of dry ice uses to answer this question.

Who sells dry ice?

All of these retailers sell dry ice. I encourage you to support your locally owned businesses that carry dry ice.

Is dry ice safe to touch?

NO! Dry ice can “burn” your skin. Proper care should be taken to only handle dry ice while wearing suitable gloves. Additionally, you should wear long sleeves and pants with closed-toe shoes.

Is dry ice safe to eat or drink?

Definitely NOT! Ingesting dry ice can “burn” your insides just as severely as it can burn your skin if you touch it. This applies to animals as well as humans.

Can I make dry ice?

Yes, but you probably shouldn’t unless you’re a trained professional with the proper equipment.

Can dry ice melt?

No. At atmospheric pressure, dry ice changes from a solid to a gas. This process is called sublimation.

More questions?

If this Dry Ice FAQ didn’t answer your question, please send us a message.

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