Carbon dioxide is nonflammable, colorless, and odorless in the gaseous and liquid states. Carbon dioxide is a minor but important constituent of the atmosphere, averaging about 0.036% or 360 ppm by volume. It is also a normal end-product of human and animal metabolism. Dry carbon dioxide is a relatively inert gas. In the event moisture is present in high concentrations, carbonic acid may be formed and materials resistant to this acid should be used. High flow rates or rapid depressurization of a system can cause temperatures approaching the sublimation point (–109.3°F [–78.5°C]) to be attained within the system. Carbon dioxide will convert directly from a liquid to a solid if the liquid is depressurized below 76 psia (61 psig). The use of materials which become brittle at low temperatures should be avoided in applications where temperatures less than –20°F (–29°C) are expected. Vessels and piping used in carbon dioxide service should be designed to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) or Department of Transportation (DOT) codes for the pressures and temperatures involved. Physical properties are listed in Table 1. Carbon dioxide in the gaseous state is colorless and odorless and not easily detectable. Gaseous carbon dioxide is 1.5 times denser than air and therefore is found in greater concentrations at low levels. Ventilation systems should be designed to exhaust from the lowest levels and allow make-up air to enter at a higher level.