dry ice                                           

Dry Ice is frozen carbon dioxide. Unlike most solids, it does not melt into a liquid, but instead changes directly into a gas. This process is called sublimation. The temperature of dry ice is around -109° F! It melts very quickly so if you need dry ice for an experiment or project, buy it as close as possible to the time you need it.
 

Dry Ice safety rules

1) kids never use dry ice with out adult supervision be cause dry ice can make severe injuries if not careful!!! such as this:

2) Never store dry ice in a enclosed of airtight container, because as the dry ice melts the CO2 will build up in the container and from all of the pressure the container it will burst. (see video on video page) The best place to store dry ice is in a Styrofoam chest with a lid that can let a little bit of air in to it and the CO2 can come out in very small amounts.

3) Never touch dry ice with your skin! Always use togs, insulated (thick) gloves or a oven mitt. Since the temperature of dry ice is so cold, it can cause severe frostbite. If you suspect you have frostbite seek medical help immediately!

4) Never eat or swallow dry ice! Again, the temperature is so cold so if you swallow dry ice, seek medical help immediately!

5) Never lay down, place small children or pets in homemade clouds. The clouds are made out of CO2 gas! People and pets can suffocate if they breathe in too much of it.

6) Never place dry ice in a totally enclosed area like a room or car or a thermos or cooler. If you are traveling with dry ice in the car, put down a window. Same rule goes for if you are in a small room,  put a window open. You do not want to much CO2 gas to build up around you because you can suffocate if you inhale to much of it.

7) Always wear safety goggles when doing experiments with dry ice.

8) Do not place dry ice directly in countertops, as the cold temperature will cause the surface to crack.

9) Leave the area IMMEDIATELY if you start to pant or have difficulty catching your breath. This is a sing that you have breathed in too much carbon dioxide gas.

10) Do not store dry ice in your freezer. It will cause your freezer to become too cold and your freezer may shut off. However, if you lose power for an extended period of time, dry ice is the best way to keep things cold! 

Disposing of Dry Ice:

To dispose of dry ice, place in a well ventilated container and take it outside where small children and pets cannot reach it. Simply let it sublimate away!