A dry ice bomb is a simple explosive device. While their simplicity, ease of construction, high bursting pressure and loud noise make them appealing for recreational purposes, they can be unpredictable and dangerous. These bombs have led to many injuries and are illegal in many jurisdictions.
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]
Dry ice bombs may induce serious risks:
Injuries are common, with glass bottles in particular posing risks of serious injury or death.[2][3][4][5] In one case, the explosive release of carbon dioxide gas ruptured the esophagus of a child, requiring emergency surgery.[6]
Bombs that fail to explode pose a major safety problem: They cannot be left, yet cannot be safely approached.
Dry ice bombs are illegal in many jurisdictions.[7][8] Manufacturing one or using one can lead to imprisonment.[9]