A dangerous incident occurred in Shanghai recently when a 5-year-old boy was injured after placing a can of carbonated drink in the freezer to cool it quickly.
When the boy opened the freezer, the can exploded, causing significant injuries to his face. Medical professionals were forced to administer 38 stitches to treat the boy’s wounds.
The explosion happened because the carbonation inside the can created excessive pressure when it was subjected to freezing temperatures. As the liquid froze, it expanded, causing the can to rupture.
Doctors have issued stern warnings about the dangers of storing carbonated drinks in the freezer. They emphasize that freezing these beverages can lead to dangerous pressure buildup, which may result in explosions.
In light of this incident, it’s crucial for people to understand which items should never be placed in the freezer. Certain materials can become hazardous when frozen, creating serious risks for accidents and injuries.
One key item you should never put in the freezer is carbonated drinks. The freezing process causes the liquid to expand, and the carbonation inside the drink increases pressure in the can, making it more likely to explode.
Alcoholic beverages also pose a similar danger when placed in the freezer. Like carbonated drinks, they can create dangerous pressure buildup due to the alcohol and water mixture.
If an alcoholic beverage is left in the freezer for too long, the pressure can grow to a point where the bottle or can bursts, potentially causing injury or even a fire hazard if the alcohol is ignited.
Another item that should never be placed in the freezer is dry ice. While dry ice is used to keep things frozen in certain conditions, it presents a serious risk when stored in enclosed spaces like freezers.
Dry ice sublimates into carbon dioxide gas as it warms up, and when stored in the freezer, it can rapidly expand and build up enough pressure to cause the freezer to explode.
These three items—carbonated drinks, alcoholic beverages, and dry ice—represent major safety hazards when placed in a freezer. Even if they appear to be harmless at first glance, they can lead to disastrous consequences.
To avoid accidents, it’s crucial to follow proper storage methods for these and other items that are sensitive to extreme temperatures. For example, always refrigerate carbonated drinks instead of freezing them, and store alcohol in cool, dry places.
Dry ice, if used for specific purposes, should be handled with great care. It’s essential to ensure that it’s stored in a well-ventilated area where it can safely sublimate without causing dangerous pressure buildup.
By being aware of these risks and taking the necessary precautions, you can help prevent similar incidents from occurring. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when handling items that can be dangerous under extreme conditions.
In conclusion, while the freezer is a useful household appliance, it’s important to understand the risks associated with improper storage. By following safety guidelines, we can avoid injuries and keep our homes safe from potential hazards.