Ooops!10 Nov 2020 17:46
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2020/11/10/dry-ice-shortage-could-delay-vaccine-rollout/
A shortage of dry ice and strict regulations about its transportation could significantly slow down the distribution of a coronavirus vaccine.
Some vaccines, such as one being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, must be kept cool but not frozen.
However, Pfizer and BioNTech’s jab that early trials have shown to be highly effective requires storage at minus 70C, meaning it must be transported in dry ice - a solid form of carbon dioxide used as a cooling agent.
As the chemical sublimates, it emits carbon dioxide that can be harmful to passengers and crew in large quantities because it displaces the breathable oxygen in the cabin.
To limit the damage, aerospace manufacturers Boeing and Airbus restrict how much dry ice can be carried on
planes. Within these limitations, some airlines are more lenient than others.
All wide-body aircraft such as Boeing 777 jets are allowed to carry a maximum of 1,088kg of dry ice in refrigerated or insulated containers.