What is dry ice? How harmful is it for human health?

As per reports, 5 people have been hospitalized after they consumed mouth freshener given to them at a restaurant, which they say were confirmed by a doctor as dry ice. This unfortunate incident happened at a restaurant in Delhi NCR's Gurgaon. The five people have been hospitalized and two of them are said to be in critical condition.

As per a video shared by Ankit Kumar, people can be seen screaming and crying in pain. They were given mouth freshener at a restaurant and after consuming it they felt a burning sensation in their mouth. In the video, one woman is seen putting ice cubes in her mouth, while another man vomits on the restaurant floor. "We don't know what they have mixed (in the mouth freshener). Everyone here is vomiting. They have cuts on their tongues. Their mouths are burning. Don't know what type of acid they have given us," Ankit Kumar says. Rinsing with water also did not help. They have said that the packets of mouth freshener they were served were dry ice.

Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO2) at a temperature of approximately -78.5°C (-109.3°F). It is formed by compressing and cooling gaseous carbon dioxide until it reaches its solid state without passing through the liquid phase, a process called sublimation. Dry ice undergoes sublimation when exposed to warmer temperatures, transitioning directly from a solid to a gas, releasing CO2. It is commonly used as a cooling agent in various applications, such as preserving perishable items during shipping, creating special effects in the entertainment industry, and conducting experiments in laboratories due to its extreme cold temperature.

​Walking vs. running: Which is good for the heart and why?​

Dry ice can be harmful to human beings if handled improperly or in poorly ventilated areas. Direct contact with dry ice can cause frostbite or burns due to its extremely low temperature of -78.5°C (-109.3°F). Additionally, as dry ice sublimates, it releases carbon dioxide gas, which can displace oxygen in poorly ventilated spaces, leading to asphyxiation in extreme cases. It's essential to handle dry ice with caution, wear protective gloves, and ensure adequate ventilation when using it to avoid injury or adverse health effects.

Consuming dry ice can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO2) and, when ingested, it can cause severe internal injuries. As it comes into contact with moisture in the mouth or digestive tract, dry ice rapidly sublimates, releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide gas. This can lead to a dangerous buildup of gas in the digestive system, causing bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, and potentially life-threatening complications such as perforation of the stomach or intestines, or even asphyxiation due to the displacement of oxygen. Immediate medical attention is crucial if someone ingests dry ice.