{"hq_id":"hq-p-spe-000056","name":"Dry Ice and CO2 Sublimation Products","category":{"primary":"specialty","secondary":"event","tags":["dry ice","CO2","carbon dioxide","asphyxiation","fog machine","cold burn"]},"product_tier":"SPE","overall_risk_level":"moderate_to_high","description":"Solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) used for fog effects, food preservation, shipping, and cleaning. Sublimation in enclosed spaces displaces oxygen, causing asphyxiation. Direct skin contact causes cryogenic burns (-78.5C). CO2 at concentrations >5% causes headache, dizziness, and at >10% causes unconsciousness within minutes.","synthesis":{"derived_risk_level":"high","synthesis_confidence":0.5,"synthesis_method":"compound_composition","context_used":"human_child","context_source":"product_users","exposure_modifier":0.654,"vulnerability_escalated":true,"escalation_reason":"Child exposure group","compounds_resolved":1,"compounds_total":1,"synthesis_date":"2026-05-09","synthesis_version":"1.2.0","methodology_note":"exposure_modifier and adjusted_magnitude are computed from ALETHEIA-calibrated heuristics (route × duration × frequency multipliers, clamped to [0.5, 1.4]). Multipliers are directionally informed by EPA Exposure Factors Handbook (2011) and CalEPA OEHHA but are not regulatory consensus. See /api/methodology for full disclosure."},"hazard_summary":{"sensitive_populations":"children (breathing zone at floor level where CO2 pools)","overall_risk":"moderate_to_high","primary_concerns":["CO2 asphyxiation in enclosed spaces — CO2 is heavier than air and pools at floor level","Cryogenic burns from direct skin contact (-78.5C)","Children at highest risk — breathing zone closest to CO2 pooling"],"exposure_routes":"Inhalation of concentrated CO2; dermal contact (cryogenic burn)"},"exposure":{"routes":["inhalation","dermal"],"contact_types":["inhalation","skin_brief"],"users":["adult","child"],"duration":"minutes","frequency":"rarely","scenarios":["Dry ice fog machine at events or Halloween (CO2 at floor level)","Enclosed vehicle or room with dry ice shipment (asphyxiation risk)","Direct handling without gloves (cryogenic burns in seconds)","Children at ground level inhaling concentrated CO2 (heavier than air, pools at floor level)"],"notes":"CO2 is 1.5x denser than air — it pools at floor level where children breathe. Multiple fatalities from dry ice in enclosed vehicles, basements, and pools. 3 deaths at a Moscow pool party (2020) from dry ice added to pool in enclosed room. OSHA PEL: 5,000 ppm CO2 (8-hour TWA)."},"consumer_guidance":{"usage_warning":"Never use dry ice in enclosed spaces without ventilation. Never handle with bare hands — use insulated gloves. Do not put dry ice in sealed containers (explosion risk). Never add dry ice to a swimming pool or enclosed water feature. Keep away from children's breathing zone (floor level).","safer_alternatives":["Glycol-based fog machines (no asphyxiation risk)","Fan-based low-lying fog machines with glycol fluid","Gel packs for shipping instead of dry ice"],"alternatives":[{"name":"Glycol-based fog machines","notes":"no asphyxiation risk"},{"name":"Fan-based low-lying fog machines with glycol fluid","notes":"Safer alternative to conventional products"},{"name":"Gel packs for shipping instead of dry ice","notes":"Safer alternative to conventional products"}],"red_flags":[{"indicator":"Use without recommended protective equipment","meaning":"Exposure to hazardous chemicals or particles without protection.","action":"Always use appropriate PPE as specified by manufacturer or SDS."}],"green_flags":[{"indicator":"Third-party safety certification visible on packaging","meaning":"Product has been independently tested to applicable safety standards.","verification":"Look for certification logos (CPSIA, ASTM, EN, NSF, UL, OEKO-TEX)."}],"what_to_ask":[{"question":"What materials is this product made from?","why_it_matters":"Material composition determines chemical exposure potential.","good_answer":"Full material disclosure with known safe materials.","bad_answer":"No material information or unspecified."}]},"regulatory":{"applicable_regulations":[{"jurisdiction":"USA","regulation":"OSHA workplace safety","citation":"29 CFR 1910","requirements":"PELs, SDS requirements, PPE mandates.","compliance_status":null,"effective_date":null,"enforcing_agency":"OSHA","penalties":null,"source_ref":null},{"jurisdiction":"USA","regulation":"EPA (TSCA/RCRA/FIFRA as applicable)","citation":null,"requirements":"Chemical reporting, hazardous waste, pesticide registration as applicable.","compliance_status":null,"effective_date":null,"enforcing_agency":"EPA","penalties":null,"source_ref":null}],"certifications":[],"labeling":{"required_disclosures":[],"prop65_warning":{"required":null,"chemicals":[],"endpoint":null,"notes":null},"ghs_labeling":{"required":null,"signal_word":null,"pictograms":[],"hazard_statements":[],"notes":null},"hidden_ingredients":{"trade_secret_protected":null,"categories_hidden":[],"estimated_count":null,"known_concerns":null,"notes":null},"notes":null},"recalls":[],"regulatory_gap":null,"notes":null},"lifecycle":{"recyclable":false,"disposal_guidance":"Allow to sublimate in well-ventilated outdoor area. Do not dispose in trash (expansion risk) or down drains.","hazardous_waste":false,"expected_lifespan":"hours"},"formulation":{"form":"varies","key_ingredients":[{"hq_id":"hq-c-org-000043","name":"Carbon monoxide","role":"sublimation_product","concentration_pct":"100"}],"certifications":[]},"materials":{"common":[],"concerning":[],"preferred":[]},"compound_composition":[{"hq_id":"hq-c-org-000043","compound_name":null,"role":"sublimation_product","typical_concentration":"100%"}],"identifiers":{"common_names":["dry ice and co2 sublimation products"],"aliases":[],"manufacturer":null,"brands":[]},"brand_examples":[{"brand":"Continental Carbonic","manufacturer":"Continental Carbonic","market_position":"professional","notable":"Dry ice supplier"},{"brand":"Penguin Brand","manufacturer":"Penguin Brand","market_position":"mass_market","notable":"Consumer dry ice"},{"brand":"Airgas","manufacturer":"Air Liquide","market_position":"professional","notable":"Industrial gas and dry ice supplier"}],"brand_examples_disclaimer":"Representative branded products of this category. Concerning ingredients listed in materials.concerning[] apply to the category, not necessarily to every named brand. Specific formulations vary by SKU and may have changed since this record was written; consult the brand's current ingredient label before drawing brand-level conclusions.","sources":[{"type":"expert_curation","name":"ALETHEIA Safety Database","date":"2026-03-25"},{"type":"regulation","title":"OSHA workplace safety (29 CFR 1910)","jurisdiction":"USA","citation":"29 CFR 1910","id":"src_0358de26"},{"type":"regulation","title":"EPA (TSCA/RCRA/FIFRA as applicable)","jurisdiction":"USA","id":"src_e10425f0"},{"id":"cdc_co_poisoning","type":"report","title":"CDC: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning — Facts and Prevention","year":2023,"inherited_from_compound":"hq-c-org-000043"},{"id":"atsdr_co","type":"report","title":"ATSDR Toxicological Profile for Carbon Monoxide","year":2012,"inherited_from_compound":"hq-c-org-000043"}],"meta":{"schema_version":"4.0.0","last_updated":"2026-03-25","timestamp":"2026-05-14T01:24:28.665Z"}}