Emergency Response Preparedness: The Role of Dry Ice in Disaster Management

Dry ice, the solid form of carbon dioxide, is a snow-like substance with an extremely low surface temperature. Available in pellet or block form, this versatile product is used for several purposes, including as a cleaning or preservation agent.

As a result, it finds applications in almost every industry, from food and beverage to biotech and pharmaceuticals. However, one lesser-known use of dry ice is that it also enables better disaster management. Wondering how solidified carbon dioxide eases disaster relief and preparedness? This blog has all the answers you need.

Features of Dry Ice

First, let’s briefly examine what separates dry from wet ice and why solidified CO2 is considered such a valuable substance. 

• It is much colder than wet ice, with a surface temperature of -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit
• Unlike wet ice, it leaves no residue behind. Since carbon dioxide cannot exist in a liquid state, it sublimes rather than melts
• Dry ice is colorless, odorless, and prevents the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms as it doesn’t emit any moisture
• Dry ice keeps products cold for up to 24 hours without additional refrigeration. Wet ice, by comparison, works for about 2-4 hours
• Since it leaves behind no residue and waste, dry ice is considered one of the most eco-friendly preservation agents

Role of Dry Ice in Disaster Management

So, how can dry ice be used for disaster relief and preparedness? Here are just some applications of this versatile substance.

As a Preservation Agent

As we’ve seen, dry ice is exceptionally useful for preserving goods with its low surface temperature, antibacterial properties, and moisture-free sublimation. Following a natural disaster, these features are critical. 

Natural disasters are often coupled with a loss in power that severely disrupts the cold chain. In this environment, dry ice is essential to ensuring food, medicines, and other perishable goods don’t get spoiled. Its antibacterial properties prevent already vulnerable populations from contracting a foodborne illness.

As a Cooling Agent 

Dry ice’s cold surface area ensures food stays fresh and nutritious for days. Similarly, medicines and vaccines must remain cool at all times to stay effective. Without proper refrigeration, dry ice ensures that life-saving treatments are available to those who need them most—no matter where they are.

As a Logistics Agent

Following a natural disaster, essential food and medicines must be transported across long distances to ensure that they reach even the most distant and remote villages. Without power and possible road closures, dry ice is critical to maintaining the integrity of such products until they reach vulnerable populations. 

Given the rapid rate of climate change and the increasing frequency of natural calamities, dry ice is expected to play an even bigger role in the coming years. Its easy availability and eco-friendly properties ensure it features in almost all disaster management plans. 

Forge Forward with nexAir

As one of the leading suppliers of dry ice across the Southeast, nexAir also has a crucial role to play in helping disaster management teams Forge Forward. Since the 1940s, nexAir has not only supplied our customers with the highest quality of dry ice products but also the KnowHow to be able to handle this volatile substance safely. 

Get in touch to learn more about our dry ice products.