Which statement about packing and shipping dry ice is true?

• A. Requires vented packaging
• B. Helps keep materials heated during transport
• C. Should be included only between the rigid outer packaging and secondary packaging
• D. Must be stored at ambient temperature only

Answer: (A)

Dry ice releases carbon dioxide gas as it sublimates, so the packaging must be vented to prevent pressure buildup inside the container. If the gas cannot escape, the pressure can increase to dangerous levels and the package could fail or rupture during transport. Venting packaging allows the CO2 to escape safely while keeping the contents secure and at the intended temperature.

This is why statements about vented packaging being required are correct. Other ideas—such as heating materials, placing dry ice only between certain packaging layers, or storing it only at ambient temperature—don’t reflect how dry ice behaves (it cools, and its gas must be allowed to vent) and thus aren’t applicable.