Class 9 - Dry Ice

Carbon dioxide in its solid form, commonly known as dry ice, is often used as a refrigerant to maintain samples or goods in either a frozen or cold state. Often, materials that require dry ice as a refrigerant are shipped by air due to the urgency of the shipment. However, even non-dangerous goods shipped with dry ice must be considered as a dangerous good under these regulations.

Dry ice is identified as UN 1845. It can pose the following hazards:

Explosion: Dry ice releases large volumes of carbon dioxide gas as it sublimates. If enclosed in a sealed container, this release of gas can cause a dangerous buildup of pressure, and ultimately, an explosion.

Suffocation: The presence of a large volume of carbon dioxide in a confined or poorly ventilated space can pose an asphyxiation hazard due to a lack of available oxygen.

Temperature: Carbon dioxide exists as a solid at approximately -110°F (-78.89°C). This extremely low temperature can rapidly cause severe frostbite when in contact with exposed skin.

By itself, dry ice presents a low degree of hazard; therefore, it is assigned to Packing Group III. However, if dry ice is used as a refrigerant for other dangerous goods, the most stringent packing group for the contained dangerous goods must be used.

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