What condition may arise from improper handling of dry ice?

Frostbite is a specific type of injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues, which can occur from improper handling of dry ice. Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide and has a temperature of -78.5°C (-109.3°F). When skin comes into direct contact with this extremely cold substance, it can result in skin cells freezing and being damaged, similar to how exposure to extreme cold air can lead to frostbite.

Frostbite typically affects exposed areas of the body, such as fingers, toes, ears, and cheeks, and manifests through numbness, discoloration, and potential long-term damage if not treated promptly. Given that dry ice can cause such significant and immediate harm, awareness of safe handling practices is crucial to prevent these injuries. Other options, while they can result from various exposures or inhalations, do not directly correlate with the physical impact that dry ice can have on skin and tissues.