Dry ice is a common material used in laboratory sample preparation, especially for freezing, preserving, and transporting biological samples. However, dry ice can also pose serious safety hazards if not handled properly. In this article, you will learn how to safely handle dry ice during sample preparation and avoid common risks such as frostbite, asphyxiation, and explosion.
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2), which sublimates or changes directly from solid to gas at -78.5°C. Dry ice is typically available as pellets, blocks, or slices, and can be purchased from suppliers or made using a dry ice machine. Dry ice is useful for sample preparation because it can maintain very low temperatures, prevent bacterial growth, and minimize moisture loss.
O gelo seco é o dióxido de carbono (CO2) no seu estado sólido, que é derivado do dióxido de carbono no seu estado líquido. Quando a temperatura e a press?o do CO2 diminuem, ele se transforma em uma espécie de gelo. Porém, por n?o conter moléculas de água em sua composi??o e n?o se dissolver, também é comumente chamado de “gelo seco”. Os laboratórios costumam usar gelo seco para resfriar rea??es exotérmicas, congelar vírus, bactérias, tecidos e células, bem como preservar amostras e produtos biológicos. Por exemplo, o gelo seco foi essencial para armazenar e transportar as vacinas contra a COVID-19.
If you want to use dry ice for sample preparation, you have to take some necessary precautions. Wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves, goggles, and lab coat, to protect yourself from cold burns and flying debris. Insulated containers, like styrofoam boxes or coolers, should be used to store and transport dry ice. Do not use glass or metal containers as they can crack or burst due to pressure build-up. To handle dry ice, use tongs or spatulas; never touch it with your bare hands as it can cause frostbite. If needed, break dry ice into smaller pieces with a hammer or chisel; do not use sharp or pointed tools as they can cause splintering or shattering. Place dry ice around or under the samples depending on the temperature and exposure; never put samples directly on dry ice as they can freeze too quickly and damage the cells or tissues. Label the containers with the contents, date, and hazard warning; do not seal them tightly as they can explode due to gas expansion.
In my experience dry-ice should be contained in a foam container to prevent vapor loss. You should wear protective clothing, gloves and googles to prevent inadvertant contact with material. Samples should be placed in a way as to not cause direct contact and burning of the sample. Thermometer readings should be taken and entered, avoid direct contact with ice to avoid burns taking approriate measures to avoid contact Any breakdown of dry ice should entail avoiding splinting the ice to avoid splintering. Utmost care must be taken to avoid frost-bite where upon action should be taken to minimize burns
é necessário ter uma vis?o muito voltada para a seguran?a do trabalho ao manipular o gelo seco. Os Equipamentos de Prote??o Individual (EPIs) obrigatórios para a manipula??o deste produto s?o: 1. Luvas Criogênicas: essenciais para suportar temperaturas baixíssimas, como as do material manipulado. 2. óculos com Elástico e Ampla Vis?o em Policarbonato: protegem os olhos do profissional que está manipulando o gelo seco. Transporte, é necessário uma Caixa Térmica de plástico ou de isopor. N?o se pode vedar completamente, pois os gases resultantes das mudan?as de estado, de sólido para gasoso, precisam ter um local para escapar. Para evitar a manipula??o prolongada do gelo seco, é recomendável adquirir o produto já no tamanho exato.
When disposing of dry ice, it is important to avoid throwing it in the trash, sink, or toilet, as this can cause damage or blockage. Additionally, do not leave dry ice in the open, as it can be a suffocation risk for animals or humans. To sublimate the dry ice completely, use a well-ventilated area such as a fume hood or an outdoor space. It is also important to avoid inhaling CO2 gas, as it can cause dizziness, headache, or unconsciousness. Use a thermometer or a CO2 detector to monitor the temperature and CO2 level in the area and ensure that it does not exceed recommended exposure limits. Finally, use a broom or vacuum cleaner to remove any residue from the area; do not use water as this can create a slippery surface.
Para descartar gelo seco, é necessário muito cuidado, pois devemos evitar principalmente explos?es e queimaduras. Ao descartar esse material, é preciso deixá-lo em um local ventilado e afastado de animais e crian?as, que podem sentir curiosidade e tentar tocá-lo, resultando em algum acidente. Sugiro utilizar uma área no quintal ou, se possível, acessar o telhado de uma casa, assim evitando qualquer incidente.
To prevent accidents with dry ice, you must exercise caution. Never store dry ice in a freezer, as it can damage the appliance or lower the temperature to an unsafe level. Additionally, avoid using dry ice in a confined or poorly ventilated space, as it can reduce the oxygen level and increase the CO2 level. Furthermore, do not mix dry ice with water or other liquids, as it can create a violent reaction and a large amount of gas. Eating or drinking dry ice is also extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Finally, never use dry ice for pranks or experiments, as it can cause harm or damage.
Para evitar acidentes com gelo seco, é necessário, em primeiro lugar, treinar os profissionais que ir?o manipular esse material e, em seguida, fornecer os Equipamentos de Prote??o Individual (EPIs) adequados. N?o se pode permitir o acesso a esse produto por pessoas n?o treinadas. é necessário controlar o estoque para que n?o seja permitido que o gelo seco seja levado para outros lugares que n?o sejam o laboratório e ambientes controlados.
It is important to take the necessary steps to handle emergencies with dry ice. If you or someone else has contact with dry ice, remove the affected area from the source and seek medical attention immediately. Do not rub or massage the area, as it can worsen the injury. Additionally, if you or someone else inhales CO2 gas, you should quickly move to a fresh air area and seek medical attention. Do not delay, as CO2 poisoning can be fatal. Moreover, if a container with dry ice explodes, evacuate the area and call for help right away. Do not approach the container, as it can still release gas or debris. Dry ice is a valuable tool for laboratory sample preparation, but it is also essential to practice caution when using it and disposing of it properly. By following these tips, you can safely use dry ice and avoid common hazards.
- N?o entre em áreas com superexposi??o de CO2; sempre utilize aparelho de respira??o aut?noma. - Transporte a vítima para um local aberto. - Chame o Corpo de Bombeiros ou SAMU para atendimento médico imediato.