Table 1. Summary of Dry Ice versus Liquid Nitrogen.
| Dry Ice | Liquid Nitrogen |
| Chemical formula | CO2 | N2 or LN2 |
| State | Solid | Liquid |
| Appearance | White, opaque | Colorless, clear |
| Smell | Odorless | Odorless |
| Special property | Sublimates directly from solid to gas | Boils at -196°C (-320°F) |
| Laboratory uses | Sample preservation and transport | Sample preservation and transport |
| PPE requirements | Cryogenic gloves, lab coat, face shield or safety glasses/goggles, long pants, close-toed shoes | Cryogenic gloves, lab coat, face shield or safety glasses/goggles, long pants, close-toed shoes |
| Storage container | Insulated, non-airtight container; typically foam or plastic with foam insulation | Dewar flask |
| Code of federal regulations | CFR Title 49 | CFR Title 49 |
| Disposal | Allow to sublimate in a well-ventilated area | Allow to evaporate in a well-ventilated area
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| First aid | Treat frostbite with lukewarm water for 15 minutes; move to fresh air for inhalation issues; seek medical attention for frostbite, eye exposure, or difficulty breathing | Treat frostbite with lukewarm water for 15 minutes; move to fresh air for inhalation issues; seek medical attention for frostbite, eye exposure, or difficulty breathing
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