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Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2) used to preserve food or to create fog effects in theaters. With a temperature of approximately -78 °C, which is colder than the freezing point of water, any type of direct contact – touching, inhalation, or consumption is associated with serious health risks. Recently, five people fell ill after being served dry ice instead of regular mouth freshener at a cafe in Gurgaon. After eating it, blood started coming out from his mouth and he started having serious problems. (Also read: Gurugram cafe manager arrested for serving ‘dry ice’ in mouth freshener to 5 friends and making them vomit)
According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), dry ice is used as a cooling agent for food products like ice cream, frozen desserts, etc. and is also used for food items that need to be refrigerated or frozen. Requires keeping frozen. Use of mechanical cooling.
If accidentally swallowed, dry ice can cause a health emergency, causing problems like frostbite, breathlessness, burning sensation in the mouth, vomiting, etc. It is important to take prompt action during this time and the patient should be given cooling agents or antacids to relieve the symptoms. ,
What is dry ice?
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2) at a temperature of -78.5°C. It is commonly used as a refrigerant, to create smoke or fog effects in entertainment and theater, and to preserve perishable goods during shipping.
Dangers of Dry Ice
“Due to its extreme coldness and the potential for carbon dioxide gas leakage, dry ice can be extremely dangerous if accidentally swallowed. Some potential negative consequences of eating dry ice are frostbite in which the skin and tissue freeze resulting in necrosis. Tissue damage can occur. Direct exposure to dry ice results in symptoms such as shortness of breath, vomiting, irritation of the mouth, esophagus and gastrointestinal tract, swelling, abdominal pain and possibly suffocation if the gas replaces oxygen in the blood. Takes it,” says Dr Ashutosh Shukla, medical consultant and senior director – internal medicine, Max Hospital, Gurugram.
“It is a matter of concern to see incidents like the one at Gurugram’s LaForsta Café. Dry ice and liquid nitrogen are not for consumption and can cause serious harm if swallowed. It is important that restaurants thoroughly check the ingredients to protect their customers. Prioritize safety and follow strict safety protocols,” says Neelima Bisht, chief clinical nutritionist, department of dietetics, Paras Health Gurugram.
“Dry ice and liquid nitrogen are not for consumption and can cause serious harm if swallowed. Dry ice, which is a solid form of carbon dioxide, can cause serious harm if it comes in contact with skin or is swallowed. Burns and internal injuries can occur. Similarly, liquid nitrogen, while often used in fancy foods for its dramatic effects, can pose significant health risks if not handled correctly. Liquid Nitrogen “Ingestion of nitrogen can cause serious internal damage, including frostbite and tissue damage. Both dry ice and liquid nitrogen can cause vomiting, bleeding, and other serious health complications,” says Bisht.
Preventing the Dangers of Ingesting Dry Ice
Dr. Shukla says that if dry ice is accidentally swallowed, it is important to take immediate action.
- seek medical attention immediately
- Avoid forced vomiting
- In such circumstances the patient should be given antacids or cooling agents for quick relief
- Additionally, we must stabilize the patient’s vital organs
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