Warning: do not put these in the freezer 👇

What started as a simple attempt to cool down a drink quickly turned into a traumatic medical emergency for a 5-year-old boy in Shanghai. After placing a can of carbonated soda in the freezer, the child later opened it—only for it to explode violently, causing serious facial injuries that required 38 stitches.

The incident has sent shockwaves across social media and among safety experts, highlighting a risk that many households overlook. Doctors and emergency professionals are now warning the public about the dangers of freezing pressurized items like carbonated drinks.

**Why Soda Cans Explode in Freezers**

Carbonated beverages contain dissolved carbon dioxide gas under pressure. When placed in a freezer, the liquid begins to expand as it cools and eventually freezes. This expansion increases internal pressure within the can, making it highly unstable. Once opened, the rapid release of built-up gas and pressure can result in a sudden, violent burst—just as it did in this child’s case.

Dr. Wei Zhang, a pediatric emergency physician in Shanghai, explained, “People often assume cans are sturdy and safe, but they’re not designed to withstand freezing temperatures. The combination of expanding liquid and trapped gas creates a mini time bomb.”

**Other Items That Should Never Be Frozen**

Experts also urge caution when it comes to freezing two other common substances:

1. **Alcoholic Beverages** – Although they don’t freeze as easily as water, alcoholic drinks can still expand under freezing conditions. Glass bottles of alcohol, in particular, can shatter under pressure or explode when thawed improperly. Additionally, high-proof spirits can pose fire hazards if mishandled during a sudden burst.

2. **Dry Ice** – Commonly used for chilling or creating fog effects, dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide. When sealed in a freezer or airtight container, it sublimates (turns directly from solid to gas), rapidly increasing pressure. This can cause serious explosions, damaging appliances and posing injury risks.

**Viral Warning Sparks Broader Awareness**

Nancy Walsh, a real estate agent and mother, recently went viral on social media after sharing a similar warning. In her post, she emphasized that many people unknowingly risk household explosions by freezing carbonated or pressurized items. Her message, amplified by doctors and safety officials, urges families to rethink how they store drinks and other materials at home.

“It’s an everyday habit that people don’t question,” Walsh wrote. “But all it takes is one mistake to cause irreversible harm—especially when kids are involved.”

**Safer Alternatives for Quick Chilling**

If you need to chill drinks quickly, skip the freezer and consider safer alternatives:

* Use an ice bucket filled with ice and cold water.
* Wrap the can or bottle in a damp paper towel and place it in the fridge or cooler for 10–15 minutes.
* Use specially designed rapid chillers that cool beverages quickly without risking pressure buildup.

**A Wake-Up Call for All Households**

This unfortunate incident serves as a sobering reminder that not all shortcuts are worth the risk. What seems like a harmless way to speed up drink chilling can turn into a life-altering event. For families with children, the consequences can be especially heartbreaking.

When it comes to pressurized or reactive substances, always prioritize safety. Take the extra time—or use the proper tools—to chill drinks responsibly. It could save you or your loved ones from a painful and preventable accident.