Dry ice, or frozen CO2, is used in the food industry, medicine, special effects, and even to keep bugs away. It can fizz drinks, freeze warts, and prevent bacterial growth. However, it can be dangerous and should be handled with care.
Dry ice is another name for frozen carbon dioxide or CO2. It is often used in the food industry, where it can store perishable items and carbonated liquids. Dry ice can also be used to store medical samples, freeze warts, and even get rid of some bugs.
Adding dry ice to any juice or water will result in a fizzy drink. Homemade root beer can be made by adding it to root beer extract mixed with water. Dry ice also prevents the growth of bacteria, so it can be used to store dry seeds, grains and flour and to retard the growth of yeast. Fruits frozen with this type of ice will thaw firm, not soggy. Campers have another use for it: They can keep food fresh for a longer period of time without having to worry about soggy.
Another use of dry ice has to do with medicine, where it is commonly used to store and ship biological samples. Cosmetic surgeons use it to freeze warts for easy removal.
The “fog” used in entertainment special effects is made with dry ice. In contact with water it condenses and forms a thick white mist. This can be done with a smoke machine or a simple deep metal plate. Because the substance can shrink metal, it is often used to push out small dents and to shrink machine parts before assembly.
A lesser known use of dry ice has to do with keeping mosquitoes and wood beetles away. Mosquitoes are attracted to CO2 and naturally move towards the ice. Some pieces can be placed around a trap to keep mosquitoes away. Wood beetles can be eliminated from furniture by placing the piece inside a sealed freezer with several pounds of dry ice. The bugs and eggs will suffocate within 24 hours.
Dry ice can be dangerous if not handled properly. With a temperature of -109.3°C (-78.5°F), it can severely burn skin and cause suffocation if inhaled. The use of special gloves is highly recommended when handling this substance, and if working with it indoors, people should ensure that the space is well ventilated.
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