Carbon dioxide (CO2) is well known as a useful and versatile gas in many applications, starting with chemical process uses to Ph reduction as carbonic acid, and as a solvent in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications, but it also has a place in the healthcare industry. On this other extreme end of the industrial applications spectrum, there are numerous uses, as well as the key considerations surrounding safe handling of the product.
On the medical front, USP quality (or grade) is what is used for various medical applications, from cosmetic (topical) applications in removing imperfections on the skin, to various surgical procedures; to a respiratory stimulant. Further, there are the uses in the preservation of tissue. USP certification employs a strong regulatory and compliance background with stringent audit standards within the production plant level. The physical (chemical) requirements for the product, in summary, represent 99% CO2 content or better, with strict limits on water, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia and sulfur dioxide.
CO2 has its place in specific cryosurgery applications, including other cryogenic-like or cryogenic agents such as DMEP (dimethyl ether and propane), and LIN (liquid nitrogen). The choice relative to which agent is to be used in cryotherapy is partly driven by supply and demand, and the regional market where such supplies exist. Then, when thinking of cryogenic agents such as CO2 usage in cosmetic applications, for the removal of skin lesions, for example, such cryogens are commonly used for topical use. More specifically, skin lesions are removed via such applications, and not treating melanoma. Then, various forms of keratosis and warts found on the skin surface are removed via such freezing processes. After the freezing application has occurred, the skin surface may have varying degrees of a changed appearance. When making reference to treating keratosis and warts, sometimes dry ice is cited in literature rather than applying liquid CO2.
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