![]() Most often, skin and eye exposures will respond quickly to irrigation of the affected area. Skin exposures should be immediately washed with soap and water. Persistent eye pain or other symptoms might need medical examination and treatment. Eye exposures should receive immediate irrigation of the eyes with room temperature water for 15 minutes. Treatment for ingestion of modern ice packs or products is rinsing out the mouth and drinking a few sips of water to clear the mouth and throat. Mild irritation and upset stomach can be managed at home with small sips of water. These types of ice packs have been recalled and are generally no longer available. Some early reusable ice packs contained very toxic substances such as diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol (antifreeze). The gel beads in ice packs are usually made of sodium polyacrylate, which can be irritating if swallowed. Reusable ice cubes are typically filled with distilled water. Other kinds of reusable ice products come in different forms like reusable ice cubes with liquid in them and ice packs filled with small gel beads. With large ingestions, it is possible to develop symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication such as severe drowsiness, unresponsiveness, and slowed breathing. A small taste of reusable ice pack liquid typically only creates mild irritation. The concerning component in reusable ice packs is the ingredient used to lower the temperature, which is usually propylene glycol. Reusable ice packs typically contain water, something to lower the freezing temperature, a thickening agent, silica gel, and non-toxic blue coloring. ![]() Urea is the least concerning reactor in instant ice packs, but it can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion if enough is swallowed. ![]() Calcium ammonium nitrate still has the same toxic properties as ammonium nitrate, but it requires a larger swallowed amount to have the same effect. Since calcium carbonate is nontoxic, calcium ammonium nitrate is less toxic than a comparable amount of ammonium nitrate. Symptoms of methemoglobinemia and hemolysis include bluish coloring especially of lips or nail beds, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, and headache.Ĭalcium ammonium nitrate is a mixture of calcium carbonate and ammonium nitrate. It might also cause conditions called methemoglobinemia (impairment of the oxygen-carrying ability of red blood cells) and hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells). This can lower blood pressure and reduce the amount of blood flowing to body organs. Ammonium nitrate can cause dilation of blood vessels. Of these, the most toxic ingredient if swallowed is ammonium nitrate. The chemical reactors in these ice packs are typically ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, or urea. When the bag is squeezed, the water interacts with the chemical to start a reaction that lowers the temperature of the water to almost freezing. These are filled with water and a chemical reactor. The most concerning type of ice pack is the instant ice pack. Depending on the type of ice pack, results of exposure can range from nontoxic to serious. These are stored at room temperature and only turn cold when squeezed. There are also one-time use "instant" ice packs, which can be found in many first-aid kits. Other ice packs turn into solids when frozen but are soft and squishy when thawed. ![]() Some are in cute shapes with soft, gel-like beads in them. They come in many forms and contain different ingredients depending on the type of ice pack. Ice packs are found in millions of homes as they are used for a wide variety of purposes such as icing an injury and keeping food cold.
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