What happens if I touched DRY ICE? Will I have damaged skin forever? Is it damaged?

Question

I accidentally touched somewhat melted dry ice, am I going to have damaged skin?

I also just poured it into the sink, but I just found out I wasn't supposed to...Does anyone know the consequences for this outcome?

Answer 1

if anything it might just give you a blister

in the sink it will just take a while to defrost

Answer 2

dry ice is very cold.

It's actually solid CO2. Don't put any hot water down your sink for a few hours until all the dry ice is gone if you do the sudden change in temperatures could cause your pipes to crack becuase they were so contracted from the cold of the ice... If you've ever had a cold glass randomly break while you're doing dishes, it's the exact same thing...

and as for touching it...

If it doesn't hurt like h**l, it's probably fine. Take other peoples advice, and just keep it clean, take care of it, ect.

be careful around dry ice.

It's so cold that after a few seconds, you can actually suffer third degree burns.

Be sure to use gloves when you handle it next time!

Answer 3

Contact more then two seconds can kill skin.   However if you keep it clean and take care of it you will have no long term outcome other than maybe a scar.  

Putting it in the sink is not going to cause a problem.  It will just sublimate into gas.  Make sure the room is ventilated so you do not gas yourself.