Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide, non-combustible, available in flakes, pellets or block form. Dry ice will sublime (vaporizes directly to the gas state) at a temperature of -78.5 C (-109.3 F) or higher.

Dry ice is commonly purchased from a commercial manufacturer. Some labs make limited quantities of dry ice (for immediate use) using a "Dry Ice Machine. 

Dry ice is commonly used to cool reactions or to ship biological specimens. Dry ice is a regulated material by the Department of Transportation. If you need to ship non-hazardous samples in Dry Ice, you are required to complete the Dry Ice Shipping Training.

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide. It is non-combustible and is available in flakes, pellets, or block form. Dry ice will sublime (vaporizes directly to the gas state) at a temperature of -78.5 C (-109.3 F) or higher.

Dry ice is commonly used to cool reactions or to ship biological specimens.

Hazards

• Explosion hazard: dry ice releases a large volume of carbon dioxide gas as it sublimates. If packaged in a container that does not allow for release of the gas, it may explode, causing personal injury or property damage.
• Suffocation hazard: a large volume of carbon dioxide gas emitted in a confined space, or other unventilated area (e.g. cold room) may create an oxygen deficient atmosphere.
• Contact hazard: dry ice is a cryogenic material that causes severe frostbite upon contact with skin.

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide. It is non-combustible and is available in flakes, pellets, or block form.

Purchases of dry ice should be made as close as possible to the time you will use it. Dry ice will sublimate about 5-10 pounds every 24 hours (blocks last longer) in a typical storage cooler.

Anyone who receives dry ice must be trained to manage it properly upon receipt. Administrators who might receive dry ice deliveries must be included in such training. 

Storage

Dry ice must be stored in a Styrofoam chest, insulated cooler, or a specially designed, venting  storage unit designed for the storage of dry ice.  NEVER store dry ice coolers in closets, cabinets, household refrigerators, or walk in coolers/cold rooms. A foam cooler containing dry ice must be located in a well-ventilated place, such as the open lab.

Normal air is composed of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and only 0.04% carbon dioxide. Concentrations greater than 0.5% (5000 ppm) can become dangerous. Therefore, srore and handle dry ice only in well-ventilated locations. 

Due to the thermal expansion of dry ice (one pound of dry ice produces abut 250 liters of gaseous carbon dioxide), sufficient gaseous carbon dioxide can be produced in a sealed container to cause an explosion. Dry ice is NEVER to be stored in any type of tightly sealed devices such as an ultra-low freezer or plastic/glass container.
 

NEVER handle dry ice with your bare hands. Always wear cryogen gloves to reduce risk of thermal burns to the skin.

• Dispose of unneeded dry ice by doing the following:
  • Let unused portions of dry ice sublimate in a well-ventilated area, such as a chemical fume hood.
  • NEVER dispose of dry ice in a sink, toilet or other device. Such action can destroy the structure because of the temperature difference.
  • NEVER dispose of dry ice in the trash or garbage.
  • NEVER leave unneeded dry ice in hallways or other public areas.
• Do not place dry ice on a tiled or solid surface countertop as the extreme cold will cause damage.
• Never transport hazardous materials in your personal vehicle; any research materials transported in a personal vehicle  are NOT covered under UVM insurance.
• It is safest to transport samples in dry ice in a University vehicle that has a separate location apart from the driver. (e.g. a truck with an OPEN truck bed). A truck with a cap on does not meet this criteria. The trunk of a car does NOT meet this criteria.  Use regular ice or ice packs, instead, when possible.

Below is a list of local Dry Ice Vendors. Ensure you are there to receive dry ice when it arrives and have an appropriate storage area for it.

Vermont Dry Ice

Fisher Brothers Farm

New England Dry Ice