Everything you need to know about dry ice: where to find it, in what quantities and what to do with it...
Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide at very low temperatures. It does not melt but sublimates directly from solid to gas. It is used for cooling and freezing purposes.
**Where to order dry ice?** Thanks to a partnership agreement between *Linde Canada* and the *Garde tes cheveux* foundation, [https://www.lindecanada.ca/en-ca/store-locator](Linde) offers a privileged price and specifically adapted procedures for clients needing dry ice for their chemotherapy treatments. To simplify the lives of patients, Linde invites you to:
- Call a unique number: 1 (877) 452-2373 (do not contact local sales points).
- Specify the *Garde tes cheveux* foundation account number: **73103456**.
- The rate will be automatically applied, and you can pay by credit card over the phone.
- Pickup or delivery (rates will be communicated to you; delivery within 24 to 48 business hours) will be determined based on your needs.
**What is the cost of dry ice?** Thanks to the collaboration with *Linde Canada*, the privileged price is $2.50 per kilo. The cutting fees adapted to the method of cooling caps are graciously offered. A minimum order of 23 kilos (50 lbs) is required to obtain this rate. The ice can be collected at one of Linde's service points or delivered when possible (regular delivery fees apply). Visit [https://www.lindecanada.ca/en-ca/store-locator](Linde)'s to find the service point closest to you.
**How much to order?** It is important to order a minimum of 50 lbs (23 kilos) of dry ice if you choose the slab/block/slice format of 10 inches x 10 inches x 2 inches, or 75 lbs (34 kilos) of dry ice in nugget/granule format.
**What cut of dry ice to order?**
- Slab, block, or slice form (preferred format): A square format of approximately 10 inches by 2 inches thick is recommended. It is important to have enough slices to place between each cap in the cooler (3 layers). Linde has developed this type of cut specifically for people using cooling caps.
- Granule or nugget form: If you buy dry ice in the form of granules or nuggets (small individual rectangles/cylinders), ask for the content to be divided as much as possible into 10 lb bags. If the dry ice comes in a large bag, you can divide it into about fifteen large airtight freezer bags, ensuring to make small holes to let the carbon dioxide escape. Ensure you have 75 lbs of dry ice if you opt for this format, as it evaporates more quickly than blocks.
**When to order the ice?** Depending on the manufacturer's service point hours and the time of your treatment, it may be easier to pick up the ice the day before. Depending on the service point, the order sometimes needs to be placed the day before collection. Remote regions: If you live in a remote area and need to have the ice delivered by a delivery service, plan for extra volume to compensate for evaporation during delivery. For example, for a treatment in Gaspésie, plan for 100 lbs of dry ice for an order departing from Varennes (*Linde* plant) in time for delivery to Gaspé on Wednesday, with treatment on Thursday. **When to schedule your treatments?** Avoid scheduling your chemotherapy treatments on Monday mornings because Linde's service points are closed on weekends and holidays. If your treatment period includes holidays on Mondays, planning your treatment days from Wednesday to Friday is optimal.
**Storage of dry ice**
- Once the ice is placed in the cooler, fill any remaining space with towels to eliminate air and slow the sublimation process (the conversion of dry ice to CO2 gas as it melts/evaporates).
- Leave the cooler lid slightly ajar to allow CO2 to escape.
- Never sleep in the same room where the cooler is stored. It is advisable to store the dry ice outside, such as on a balcony, protected from the elements.
**Prepare the contents of the cooler on the day of treatment** Consult the [https://gardetescheveux.org/en/ressources/](Ressources) section of our website for tools, as well as this explanatory video (Subtitles in English).
Become a partner
Do you wish to have a concrete impact on improving the quality of life for people affected by cancer in Quebec in an innovative way?
