Recently, 5 people started bleeding from their mouths after eating mouth freshener at a restaurant in Gurgaon. Later on, it was revealed that the restaurant’s waiter had given them dry ice in the mouth freshener. So, in this blog, we will cover what dry ice is and how dangerous it is.
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2), a gas that makes up a small percentage of Earth’s atmosphere. It is called “dry ice” because it undergoes sublimation, a process where it transitions directly from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid state. Its temperature is about -78.5 degrees Celsius. Its freezing point is much lower than that of regular ice. Since it releases a white fog of carbon dioxide, it is used for special effects in stage productions, due to its low temperature, it is used in preserving perishable foods, and used in the process of cleaning. Some beverage companies use dry ice to carbonate their drinks for the fizzy effect.
However, dry ice is not something you should put in your mouth or swallow, as it can cause serious health problems and even death. In this blog, we will explore what happens to your body if you eat dry ice and why you should never do it.
The dangers of dry ice
Dry ice is categorised as a lethal substance according to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)¹. In fact, even the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), advises against the use of dry ice with bare hands. “Always wear gloves designed for very cold temperatures and safety goggles,” reads the CDC site.
There are two main ways that dry ice can harm you: by its extremely low temperature and by its carbon dioxide gas.
Frostbite and cold burns
Dry ice is much colder than regular ice, and it can cause frostbite or cold burns when it comes into close contact with the skin. Frostbite is a condition where the skin and underlying tissues freeze and lose blood flow, resulting in numbness, pain, blisters, and tissue damage. Cold burns are similar to heat burns, but they are caused by exposure to very cold substances. They can cause redness, swelling, blisters, and tissue damage as well.
If you put dry ice in your mouth, you risk damaging your lips, tongue, gums, and cheeks. The drastic temperature difference between the freezing cold dry ice and the warmth of your mouth can cause burning sensations, leading to irritation, bleeding, and, in extreme cases, ulcers³. If you swallow dry ice, you risk damaging your throat, esophagus, and stomach. The cold can cause spasms, inflammation, and perforation of these organs, leading to severe pain, vomiting, and internal bleeding.
Asphyxia and hypoxia
Dry ice sublimates into carbon dioxide gas, which can displace oxygen in enclosed spaces. Carbon dioxide is a normal component of the air we breathe, but too much of it can be harmful. Carbon dioxide can cause asphyxia, which is a condition where the body is deprived of oxygen, leading to unconsciousness and death. Carbon dioxide can also cause hypoxia, which is a condition where the body has insufficient oxygen, leading to dizziness, headache, confusion, and impaired judgment.
If you put dry ice in your mouth, you risk inhaling large amounts of carbon dioxide gas, which can reduce the oxygen in your lungs and blood. This can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. It can also affect your brain, causing mental changes, such as anxiety, panic, hallucinations, and seizures⁴. If you swallow dry ice, you risk releasing carbon dioxide gas into your stomach and intestines, which can cause bloating, cramps, diarrhea, and gas. It can also cause pressure build-up, which can rupture your stomach or intestines, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.
How to prevent and treat dry ice injuries
The best way to prevent dry ice injuries is to avoid contact with dry ice altogether. Dry ice is not meant for human consumption, and it should only be used for its intended purposes, such as cooling, freezing, or creating special effects. Dry ice should be handled with care, using insulated gloves, tongs, or other tools. Dry ice should be stored and used in well-ventilated areas, away from children and pets. Dry ice should never be mixed with water, as it can cause violent reactions and explosions.
If you or someone else accidentally comes into contact with dry ice, you should seek immediate medical attention. Do not try to remove dry ice from the skin or mouth, as it can cause more damage. Instead, gently warm the affected area with warm water or a warm cloth. Do not rub or massage the area, as it can cause more tissue damage. If dry ice is swallowed, do not induce vomiting, as it can cause more harm. Instead, drink plenty of water to dilute the carbon dioxide and relieve the pressure. Monitor the person’s breathing and pulse, and call for emergency help.Conclusion
Conclusion
Dry ice is a useful substance for various applications, but it is also a dangerous one. Dry ice can cause frostbite, cold burns, asphyxia, hypoxia, and internal injuries if it is put in the mLouth or swallowed. Dry ice should never be eaten or used as a mouth freshener, as it can have fatal consequences. Dry ice should be handled with caution and respect, and only by trained professionals. If you encounter dry ice, stay away from it and seek medical help if you are exposed to it. Remember, dry ice is not a candy, it is a killer.
Source:
What happens to the body if you eat dry ice – India Today. https://www.indiatoday.in/health/story/health-risks-dry-ice-gurugram-mouth-freshener-2510910-2024-03-05.
What is dry ice and how does it affect your health? – The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/what-is-dry-ice-blood-health-risks-experts-9196113/.
Dry ice as ‘mouth freshener’: How a mix-up by Gurugram … – Firstpost. https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/dry-ice-as-mouth-freshener-how-a-mix-up-by-gurugram-eatery-left-5-hospitalised-13745225.html.
