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A dry ice bomb is a simple explosive device consisting of dry ice and water in a sealed container.

Overview

Dry ice bombs are commonly made from a container such as a plastic bottle, water and dry ice. The bottle is partly filled with water. Chunks of dry ice are added and the container is closed tightly. As the solid carbon dioxide warms, it sublimates to gas and the pressure in the bottle increases. Bombs typically rupture within 30 seconds to half an hour, dependent largely on the temperature of the air outside the bottle.^[1] A dry ice bomb may develop frost on its exterior prior to explosion.^[1] After explosion, it appears to have shattered, with the overall shape of the device intact.^[1]

Dangers

Dry ice bombs can explode within seconds due to the rapid sublimation of dry ice, injuring the handler. The abrupt release of high-pressure gas creates a loud noise, which can cause hearing damage even at substantial distances. Fragments thrown at high speeds can cut or puncture. Bombs that fail to go off cannot be safely approached, as they can spontaneously explode.

Dry ice bombs can also be unintentionally made, especially if dry ice is left in an airtight container for extended periods of time.^[2]

Injuries caused by dry ice bombs are common, with glass bottles in particular posing risks of serious injury or death.^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6] In one case, the explosive release of carbon dioxide gas ruptured the esophagus of a child, requiring emergency surgery.^[7]

Legality

Dry ice bombs are illegal in many jurisdictions.^[8]^[9] Manufacturing one or using one can lead to imprisonment.^[10]

A law in California that defines "destructive device" includes a list of "weapons" including "[any] sealed device containing dry ice (CO₂) or other chemically reactive substances assembled for the purpose of causing an explosion by a chemical reaction".^[11]^[12]
In Nebraska^[13] and other States the noise generated may violate local laws.
Arizona prohibits dry ice bombs if there is an intent to cause injury, death, or damage to the property of another,^[14] as well as their possession by "prohibited possessors" such as convicted felons and illegal immigrants.^[15]
In Utah, simple possession of a dry ice bomb or similar pressurized chemical reaction bomb is a second-degree felony.^[16]
In Colorado, the creation of a dry ice bomb is considered illegal due to interpretation as "possession of an explosive device" ^{[citation needed]}
Leaving an unexploded dry ice bomb can be construed as public endangerment.
Exploding a dry ice bomb in public in Pennsylvania can result in criminal charges if it is not done on a bomb range, gun range or open area.

References

^ ^a ^b ^c Jill Meryl Levy (2006). The First Responder's Field Guide to Hazmat and Terrorism Emergency Response. Firebelle Productions. pp. 8–10. ISBN 9780965151696.
^ Sharp, S; Cummins, D; Halloran, S; Donaldson, M; Turnbull, L (17 February 2001). "Explosions may occur if dry ice is placed in airtight transport containers". BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.). 322 (7283): 434. PMC 1119651. PMID 11179178.
^ "Boy, 7, receives facial wounds after 'dry-ice bomb' explosion". Press-Telegram. Long Beach. 10 August 1994.
^ "Dry ice bomb severely hurts 12-year-old boy". Press-Telegram. Long Beach. 28 May 1995.
^ Gorrin, Neal R.; Moore, Thomas C.; Asch, Morris J. (March 1990). "Glass shrapnel injuries to children resulting from "dry ice bomb" explosions: A report of three cases". Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 25 (3): 296. doi:10.1016/0022-3468(90)90069-l. PMID 2313496.
^ Langford, Nigel J. (1 December 2005). "Carbon Dioxide Poisoning". Toxicological Reviews. 24 (4): 229–235. doi:10.2165/00139709-200524040-00003. PMID 16499405. S2CID 22508841.
^ Pieretti, Rafael V.; Vivas, Pedro (October 1, 1992). "Esophageal injury from a plastic bottle containing dry ice". Pediatric Surgery International. 7 (6): 459–460. doi:10.1007/BF00178829 – via Springer Link.
^ "Charlotte: Search Results". 2006-10-24.
^ "> News > North County — Neighbors' long quarrel erupted". SignOnSanDiego.com. 2002-09-05. Retrieved 2009-09-20.
^ "Dry-ice bomb prank ends in jail". The Press. May 2, 2008. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved September 29, 2011.
^ although dry-ice bombs rely upon the principle of phase-change, not chemical reaction
^ "CA Codes (pen:12301-12316)". Leginfo.ca.gov. Archived from the original on 2009-05-13. Retrieved 2009-09-20.
^ "State of Nebraska" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-05-27. Retrieved 2009-09-20.
^ "13-3102 – Misconduct involving weapons". Azleg.state.az.us. Retrieved 2009-11-10.
^ "13-3101 – Definitions". Azleg.state.az.us. Retrieved 2009-09-20.
^ "Bomb squad demonstrates dangers of homemade explosives", KSL.com.

External links

[Hazmat-1] Jill Meryl Levy (2006). The First Responder's Field Guide to Hazmat and Terrorism Emergency Response. Firebelle Productions. pp. 8–10. ISBN 9780965151696.

[2] Sharp, S; Cummins, D; Halloran, S; Donaldson, M; Turnbull, L (17 February 2001). "Explosions may occur if dry ice is placed in airtight transport containers". BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.). 322 (7283): 434. PMC 1119651. PMID 11179178.

[3] "Boy, 7, receives facial wounds after 'dry-ice bomb' explosion". Press-Telegram. Long Beach. 10 August 1994.

[4] "Dry ice bomb severely hurts 12-year-old boy". Press-Telegram. Long Beach. 28 May 1995.

[5] Gorrin, Neal R.; Moore, Thomas C.; Asch, Morris J. (March 1990). "Glass shrapnel injuries to children resulting from "dry ice bomb" explosions: A report of three cases". Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 25 (3): 296. doi:10.1016/0022-3468(90)90069-l. PMID 2313496.

[6] Langford, Nigel J. (1 December 2005). "Carbon Dioxide Poisoning". Toxicological Reviews. 24 (4): 229–235. doi:10.2165/00139709-200524040-00003. PMID 16499405. S2CID 22508841.

[7] Pieretti, Rafael V.; Vivas, Pedro (October 1, 1992). "Esophageal injury from a plastic bottle containing dry ice". Pediatric Surgery International. 7 (6): 459–460. doi:10.1007/BF00178829 – via Springer Link.

[8] "Charlotte: Search Results". 2006-10-24.

[9] "> News > North County — Neighbors' long quarrel erupted". SignOnSanDiego.com. 2002-09-05. Retrieved 2009-09-20.

[Stuff.co.nz_399295-10] "Dry-ice bomb prank ends in jail". The Press. May 2, 2008. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved September 29, 2011.

[11] though dry-ice bombs rely upon the principle of phase-change, not chemical reaction

[12] "CA Codes (pen:12301-12316)". Leginfo.ca.gov. Archived from the original on 2009-05-13. Retrieved 2009-09-20.

[13] "State of Nebraska" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-05-27. Retrieved 2009-09-20.

[14] "13-3102 – Misconduct involving weapons". Azleg.state.az.us. Retrieved 2009-11-10.

[15] "13-3101 – Definitions". Azleg.state.az.us. Retrieved 2009-09-20.

[16] "Bomb squad demonstrates dangers of homemade explosives", KSL.com.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Short description|Simple explosive device}}
 [[Image:Dry Ice Bomb.jpg|thumb|Dry ice bomb exploding in water.]]
-A '''dry ice bomb''' is a simple [[explosive]] device. While its simplicity, ease of construction, high bursting pressure and sound make it appealing for recreational purposes, it can be unpredictable and dangerous, and it has led to many injuries. Dry ice bombs are illegal in many jurisdictions.
+A '''dry ice bomb''' is a simple [[explosive]] device consisting of dry ice and water in a sealed container.
 == Overview ==
-Dry ice bombs are commonly made from a container such as a [[plastic bottle]], [[water]] and [[dry ice]]. The bottle is filled about one quarter full of water.  Chunks of dry ice are added and the container is to be shut tightly. As the solid [[carbon dioxide]] warms, it [[sublimation (chemistry)|sublimates]]{{dubious|reason=Although it will initially sublimate, after sufficient pressure is built up inside the container and the temperature of the water (now ice) decreases, more of the CO2 can liquify before reaching the pressure that overcomes the container, depending on the quantity of dry ice inserted and strength of the container.|date=March 2022}} to gas. With limited room for the gas to expand, the pressure in the bottle increases. Bombs typically rupture within 30 seconds to 30 minutes (half an hour), dependent largely on the temperature of the air outside the bottle.<ref name="Hazmat">{{cite book
+Dry ice bombs are commonly made from a container such as a [[plastic bottle]], [[water]] and [[dry ice]]. The bottle is partly filled with water. Chunks of dry ice are added and the container is closed tightly. As the solid [[carbon dioxide]] warms, it [[sublimation (chemistry)|sublimates]] to gas and the pressure in the bottle increases. Bombs typically rupture within 30 seconds to half an hour, dependent largely on the temperature of the air outside the bottle.<ref name="Hazmat">{{cite book
 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gkcDurv6eYEC&q=dry.ice.bomb&pg=PT233
 |title=The First Responder's Field Guide to Hazmat and Terrorism Emergency Response
@@ Line 14: / Line 14: @@
 == Dangers ==
+Dry ice bombs can explode within seconds due to the rapid sublimation of dry ice, injuring the handler. The abrupt release of high-pressure gas creates a loud noise, which can cause hearing damage even at substantial distances. Fragments thrown at high speeds can cut or puncture. Bombs that fail to go off cannot be safely approached, as they can spontaneously explode.
-Dry ice bombs may induce serious risks:
-* Explosion can occur within seconds, injuring the handler.
-* The shockwave can be extremely loud, causing hearing damage even at substantial distances.
-* The blast can propel fragments of the container at very high speeds, causing cuts and puncture wounds.
+Dry ice bombs can also be unintentionally made, especially if dry ice is left in an airtight container for extended periods of time.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Sharp |first1=S |last2=Cummins |first2=D |last3=Halloran |first3=S |last4=Donaldson |first4=M |last5=Turnbull |first5=L |title=Explosions may occur if dry ice is placed in airtight transport containers. |journal=BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) |date=17 February 2001 |volume=322 |issue=7283 |pages=434 |pmid=11179178 |pmc=1119651 }}</ref>
-Injuries are common, with glass bottles in particular posing risks of serious injury or death.<ref>{{cite news |title=Boy, 7, receives facial wounds after 'dry-ice bomb' explosion |date=10 August 1994 |work=Press-Telegram |location=Long Beach |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/g/GooglePM/LB/lib00079,0EAE8FCA4F05DAF6.html }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Dry ice bomb severely hurts 12-year-old boy |date=28 May 1995 |work=Press-Telegram |location=Long Beach |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/g/GooglePM/LB/lib00079,0EAE9034E5468C7D.html }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Gorrin |first1=Neal R. |last2=Moore |first2=Thomas C. |last3=Asch |first3=Morris J. |title=Glass shrapnel injuries to children resulting from "dry ice bomb" explosions: A report of three cases |journal=Journal of Pediatric Surgery |date=March 1990 |volume=25 |issue=3 |pages=296 |doi=10.1016/0022-3468(90)90069-l |pmid=2313496 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Langford |first1=Nigel J. |title=Carbon Dioxide Poisoning |journal=Toxicological Reviews |date=1 December 2005 |volume=24 |issue=4 |pages=229–235 |doi=10.2165/00139709-200524040-00003 |pmid=16499405 |s2cid=22508841 }}</ref>
-In one case, the explosive release of carbon dioxide gas ruptured the [[esophagus]] of a child, requiring emergency surgery.<ref>[https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00178829 Esophageal injury from a plastic bottle containing dry ice]</ref>
+Injuries caused by dry ice bombs are common, with glass bottles in particular posing risks of serious injury or death.<ref>{{cite news |title=Boy, 7, receives facial wounds after 'dry-ice bomb' explosion |date=10 August 1994 |work=Press-Telegram |location=Long Beach |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/g/GooglePM/LB/lib00079,0EAE8FCA4F05DAF6.html }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Dry ice bomb severely hurts 12-year-old boy |date=28 May 1995 |work=Press-Telegram |location=Long Beach |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/g/GooglePM/LB/lib00079,0EAE9034E5468C7D.html }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Gorrin |first1=Neal R. |last2=Moore |first2=Thomas C. |last3=Asch |first3=Morris J. |title=Glass shrapnel injuries to children resulting from "dry ice bomb" explosions: A report of three cases |journal=Journal of Pediatric Surgery |date=March 1990 |volume=25 |issue=3 |pages=296 |doi=10.1016/0022-3468(90)90069-l |pmid=2313496 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Langford |first1=Nigel J. |title=Carbon Dioxide Poisoning |journal=Toxicological Reviews |date=1 December 2005 |volume=24 |issue=4 |pages=229–235 |doi=10.2165/00139709-200524040-00003 |pmid=16499405 |s2cid=22508841 }}</ref>
-Bombs that fail to explode pose a major safety problem: They cannot be left, yet cannot be safely approached.
+In one case, the explosive release of carbon dioxide gas ruptured the [[esophagus]] of a child, requiring emergency surgery.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00178829|title=Esophageal injury from a plastic bottle containing dry ice|first1=Rafael V.|last1=Pieretti|first2=Pedro|last2=Vivas|date=October 1, 1992|journal=Pediatric Surgery International|volume=7|issue=6|pages=459–460|via=Springer Link|doi=10.1007/BF00178829}}</ref>
 == Legality ==
 {{Globalize|article|USA|2name=the United States|date=May 2012}}
-Dry ice bombs are illegal in many jurisdictions,<ref>{{cite news| url=http://docs.newsbank.com/g/GooglePM/CO/lib00111,114FC317F566D278.html | title=Charlotte: Search Results | date=2006-10-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20020905-9999_1mi5bomb.html |title=> News > North County&nbsp;— Neighbors' long quarrel erupted |publisher=SignOnSanDiego.com |date=2002-09-05 |access-date=2009-09-20}}</ref> and can lead to imprisonment.<ref name="Stuff.co.nz_399295">{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/399295 |title=Dry-ice bomb prank ends in jail |date=May 2, 2008 |work=[[The Press]] |access-date=September 29, 2011}}</ref>
+Dry ice bombs are illegal in many jurisdictions.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://docs.newsbank.com/g/GooglePM/CO/lib00111,114FC317F566D278.html | title=Charlotte: Search Results | date=2006-10-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20020905-9999_1mi5bomb.html |title=> News > North County&nbsp;— Neighbors' long quarrel erupted |publisher=SignOnSanDiego.com |date=2002-09-05 |access-date=2009-09-20}}</ref> Manufacturing one or using one can lead to imprisonment.<ref name="Stuff.co.nz_399295">{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/399295 |title=Dry-ice bomb prank ends in jail |date=May 2, 2008 |work=[[The Press]] |access-date=September 29, 2011 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924111405/http://www.stuff.co.nz/399295 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
 * A law in [[California]] that defines "destructive device" includes a list of "weapons" including "[any] sealed device containing dry ice (CO<sub>2</sub>) or other chemically reactive substances assembled for the purpose of causing an explosion by a chemical reaction".<ref>although dry-ice bombs rely upon the principle of phase-change, not chemical reaction</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=pen&group=12001-13000&file=12301-12316 |title=CA Codes (pen:12301-12316) |publisher=Leginfo.ca.gov |access-date=2009-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090513012704/http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=pen&group=12001-13000&file=12301-12316 |archive-date=2009-05-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
-* In Nebraska<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sfm.ne.gov/publications/pdf/actbook.pdf |title=State of Nebraska |access-date=2009-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527172126/http://www.sfm.ne.gov/publications/pdf/actbook.pdf |archive-date=2010-05-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and in other areas the noise generated may violate local laws.
+* In Nebraska<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sfm.ne.gov/publications/pdf/actbook.pdf |title=State of Nebraska |access-date=2009-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527172126/http://www.sfm.ne.gov/publications/pdf/actbook.pdf |archive-date=2010-05-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and other States the noise generated may violate local laws.
 * Arizona prohibits dry ice bombs if there is an intent to cause injury, death, or damage to the property of another,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/13/03102.htm |title=13-3102 – Misconduct involving weapons |publisher=Azleg.state.az.us |access-date=2009-11-10}}</ref> as well as their possession by "prohibited possessors" such as convicted felons and illegal immigrants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/13/03101.htm |title=13-3101 – Definitions |publisher=Azleg.state.az.us |access-date=2009-09-20}}</ref>
-* In Utah simple possession of a dry ice bomb or similar pressurized chemical reaction bombs is a second-degree felony.<ref>[http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=9554762&nid=695 "Bomb squad demonstrates dangers of homemade explosives"], KSL.com.</ref>
+* In Utah, simple possession of a dry ice bomb or similar pressurized chemical reaction bomb is a second-degree felony.<ref>[http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=9554762&nid=695 "Bomb squad demonstrates dangers of homemade explosives"], KSL.com.</ref>
 * In Colorado, the creation of a dry ice bomb is considered illegal due to interpretation as "possession of an explosive device" {{citation needed|date=January 2022}}
 * Leaving an unexploded dry ice bomb can be construed as [[public endangerment]].
-* Exploding a dry ice bomb in the state of Pennsylvania in public can result in criminal charges, if it is not done in an open area such as a bomb range or gun range.
+* Exploding a dry ice bomb in public in Pennsylvania can result in criminal charges if it is not done on a bomb range, gun range or open area.
 == See also ==