The Original Party Trick: Dry Ice
When it comes to great innovations, there’s a fine line between “discovery” and “invention.”
Take, for example, Dry Ice. Because Dry Ice is a natural occurrence, it was discovered, not invented. Although Dry Ice is technically not an “invention,” we admire the scientists who were clever enough to realize its potential!
Dry Ice, the generic name for carbon dioxide in its solid form, does not melt. Instead, it goes directly from a solid to a gas, a process called sublimanation. And it’s great for special effects – dry ice looks like a dense fog straight out of a horror movie!
While no one can take credit for inventing Dry Ice, one company can be credited with naming it: The Dry Ice Corporation of America, who trademarked the name Dry Ice in 1925.
Dry Ice can be found at most ice suppliers and ice cream shops, and isn’t that costly.
If you decide to use dry ice at your Halloween party, birthday party or wedding party, be very careful! Never handle Dry Ice with your hands, as its super-cold temperature can cause severe skin damage. And allow for plenty of ventilation (Dry Ice is carbon dioxide, after all, which living creatures like us cannot breathe!).
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If you are using dry ice around the punch and snack table, be sure that NO Dry Ice comes into contact with the food or drinks. It can cause severe injury if ingested.
So long as you exercise caution when using Dry Ice, it can be a great way to create a spooky, atmospheric party scene.