Skip to Content

Prevention

Preventing Dry Ice Burns

Dry ice is about 100 times colder than a household freezer, making it valuable and dangerous. Follow these safety tips to avoid frostbite burns and other injuries when using dry ice.


Download PDFFind a Burn CenterBurn First Aid

Everyday Prevention Tips

Do: Safe Handling Tips

  • Always wear protective gloves when handling dry ice. 

  • Make sure the room is well ventilated to avoid carbon dioxide buildup. 

  • When transporting, place dry ice on top of other items, cold air sinks and keeps everything cold. 

Don't: What to Avoid

  • Never eat dry ice — it can cause severe internal frostbite. 

  • Don’t set dry ice directly on countertops or inside empty glass containers, the extreme cold can crack them. 

How to Treat a Dry Ice Burn

  • Treat a dry ice burn similarly to frostbite or a burn from heat.  

  • For mild burns (red area or pain): apply burn ointment and cover with a clean bandage if needed. 

  • For severe frostbite or if blisters appear, seek medical care within 24 hours. 

Signs of Frostbite

  • Redness or pain in the skin. 

  • White or grayishyellow patches. 

  • Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy. 

  • Numbness. 

Disclaimer and Usage 

© 2025 American Burn Association. All rights reserved.

The materials on this page, ameriburn.org/prevention/burn-prevention-fact-sheets/dry-ice, are the property of the American Burn Association (ABA) and are protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. These fact sheets may be reproduced, shared, and distributed without charge for non-commercial, educational purposes. Co-branding with your organization's name or logo is permitted; however, the ABA logo may not be removed, altered, or replaced without prior written permission from the American Burn Association.

These materials are provided for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The ABA assumes no responsibility for any injury or damage.