What is Dry Ice? Is It Harmful For the Health Or Not?

In a recent viral video, 5 diners at a renowned Gurgaon-based restaurant fell sick and puked blood immediately after eating the mouth freshener. According to media reports, Ankit Kumar, who was also a member of the group, did not have the freshener. He called the police and also took his friends to the hospital.

Ankit Kumar said in the police complaint, "I showed the packet of mouth freshener to a doctor, who said it was dry ice. According to the doctor, it is an acid that can lead to death."

#WATCH | Haryana: On Five people vomit blood allegedly after eating mouth freshener at Gurugram café, Surender Sheoran, ACP Manesar says, "On the night of the 3rd (March), we got information from the hospital that some people have been admitted here. Police reached the spot and… pic.twitter.com/2rAmt3jFJ3

— ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2024

But what is dry ice and why is it so harmful to health?

What is Dry Ice?

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide. CO2 sublimes directly from the solid state to the gas state and does not have a liquid state at normal atmospheric pressure, which is why it is frequently used for temporary refrigeration. Although its main application is as a cooling agent, it is also utilized in theatre fog machines to create dramatic effects. Its temperature is lower than that of water ice, and aside from accidental frost from atmospheric moisture, it leaves no residue behind. In situations where mechanical cooling is not possible, dry ice can help maintain frozen foods (like ice cream).

Is Dry Ice Healthy?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has categorized dry ice as a deadly substance. Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advise against using dry ice with bare hands.

Dry ice, or solid carbon dioxide, is generally safe when handled properly in controlled environments. However, because of its extremely low temperature of -78.5°C (-109.3°F), it can be dangerous to your health. In enclosed areas, breathing in the released carbon dioxide may result in respiratory problems. Direct skin contact can result in burns or frostbite. Also, this can cause severe discomfort, bloating, and abdominal pain as the dry ice sublimates within the body. Usually, these are the symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, but they can lead to far more dangerous health conditions.

Gagan, the manager of the restaurant, claimed that the incident was caused due to staff negligence. “The incident took place after the dinner and the staff gave out the substance. Police are taking action against the staffer and they have taken samples,” he added.