5 Safety Rules for Using Dry Ice in a Cooler

Never seal the cooler airtight Dry ice sublimates into CO₂ gas, which builds pressure. A sealed cooler can pop open or explode. Leave a vent or keep the lid unlocked.

Wear gloves when handling dry ice Bare skin contact causes frostbite burns in seconds. Use tongs or heavy leather gloves to handle it.

Keep the cooler in a ventilated area CO₂ is heavier than air and can pool in enclosed spaces like a car trunk. Avoid long trips with the windows up.

Use a hard cooler, not a soft or cheap plastic one Dry ice can crack liners or melt insulation. A rotomolded hard cooler works best.

Wrap dry ice if you only need cold food, not frozen Place it in newspaper or a towel to prevent freezing items it touches directly.