Dry ice is the strong type of carbon dioxide (CO2) which is used to protect meals or create fog impact in theatre. With a temperature of about -78 levels celsius which is way colder than freezing level of water, any type of direct publicity – touching, inhalation, or consumption is related to extreme well being dangers. Recently, 5 individuals fell sick after they had been served dry ice in a Gurgram cafe as a substitute of a daily mouth freshener. After consuming it, they began spitting out blood and commenced to expertise extreme discomfort. (Also learn: Gurugram cafe manager arrested after 5 friends serviced ‘dry ice’ in mouth freshener, vomited)

According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), dry ice is used as a cooling agent for meals merchandise like ice cream, frozen desserts and so forth and can also be used for meals gadgets which are wanted to be chilly or frozen, with out the usage of mechanical cooling.

If swallowed by mistake, dry ice may cause a well being emergency, resulting in points like frostbite, breathlessness, burns to mouth, vomiting and so forth. It is necessary to behave quicky throughout this time and affected person have to be given a cooling agent or antacid to alleviate signs.

What is dry ice?

Dry ice is the strong type of carbon dioxide (CO2) at a temperature of -78.5°C. It is usually used as a refrigerant, for creating smoke or fog results in leisure and theatre, and for preserving perishable gadgets throughout transport.

Dangers of dry ice

“Because of its extreme coldness and the possibility of carbon dioxide gas leakage, dry ice can be exceedingly dangerous if accidentally swallowed. Some potential negative consequences of eating dry ice are frostbite in which skin and tissue freeze resulting in necrosis. Tissue damage can be caused by direct contact with dry ice and symptoms like breathlessness, vomiting, burns to the mouth, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract, bloating, pain in the abdomen, and possibly asphyxiation if the gas replaces oxygen in the blood are reported,” says Dr Ashutosh Shukla, Medical Advisor and Senior Director – Internal Medicine, Max Hospital, Gurugram.

“It is concerning to see incidents like the one at Laforestta Cafe in Gurugram. Dry ice and liquid nitrogen are not meant for consumption and can cause severe harm if ingested. It is crucial that restaurants prioritise the safety of their patrons by thoroughly vetting ingredients and adhering to strict safety protocols,” says Neelima Bisht, Chief Clinical Nutrition, Dietetics division, Paras Health Gurugram.

“Dry ice and liquid nitrogen are not meant for consumption and can cause severe harm if ingested. Dry ice, which is a solid form of carbon dioxide, can cause burns and internal injuries if it comes into contact with the skin or is ingested. Similarly, liquid nitrogen, while often used in fancy foods for its dramatic effect, can pose significant health risks if not handled correctly. Ingesting liquid nitrogen can lead to severe internal damage, including frostbite and tissue damage. Both dry ice and liquid nitrogen can cause vomiting, bleeding, and other severe health complications,” provides Bisht.

Preventing risks of dry ice consumption

Dr Shukla says if dry ice is by accident swallowed, it is important to behave shortly.

• Seek medical consideration straight away
• Avoid forcing vomiting
• Patient needs to be given an antacid or cooling agent in such circumstances for immediate aid
• Additionally, we should stabilise the affected person’s vitals