Understanding Dry Ice: Culprit Behind Gurugram Cafe Diners 'Blood Vomiting'

The curious case of Laforestta cafe

At Laforestta Cafe in Sector 90, Gurugram, on March 2, five people who had been offered dry ice as a mouth freshener vomited blood and complained of a burning feeling in their mouths.

What transpired!

Social media users have been sharing a video of the group that shows them sobbing and shouting in anguish, with one of the men puking on the restaurant floor. Only after receiving medical attention did the victims discover that they had eaten dry ice. c

This makes the dry ice dry yet cool

Carbon dioxide (CO2) gas cools and condenses to form dry ice. It was found in the early 1900s, and in the 1920s commercial manufacturing started.

What is it genrally used for?

It is used for a variety of things in the food and beverage, medical, and research industries. It is also employed in the entertainment sector for special effects production.

Want to move goods? Yyou will need Dry Ice

With a surface temperature of -78 degrees Celsius, dry ice is frequently used to move goods in the food and pharmaceutical industries. It keeps goods frozen during transit. It keeps products dry since it does not melt.

Dangerous!

Dry ice can be dangerous if used improperly, as seen by the Gurugram incident. When dry ice is handled improperly, it can cause frostbite and cold burns due to its extremely high temperature. Wearing the proper gloves is also advised when working with dry ice.

Asphyxiation!

The condition known as asphyxiation, which is the lack of oxygen, can also result from dry ice risks. CO2 gas accumulation can occur when significant volumes of dry ice are stored in a compact or inadequately ventilated space.

What happens in this condition?

Asphyxiation may result from this in turn. Breathing difficulties, headaches, confusion, and disorientation are a few of the initial symptoms of oxygen deprivation. Improper handling of dry ice can occasionally cause ocular discomfort as well.

Handling

When handling dry ice, the possibility of any negative reactions can be decreased by using the appropriate personal protective equipment.In any location where dry ice is present, proper storage and ongoing CO2 level monitoring are also essential.