"Dragon's Breath" is one of the newer uses for liquid nitrogen and it's becoming fairly common in shopping malls around the world and at festivals across the United States. At first glance, it sounds interesting and looks entertaining - light snack foods such as fruity cereal puffs, popcorn, marshmallows are soaked in liquid nitrogen. Then they're given to the customer to eat and breath out "fog" or "smoke" like a dragon.
In actuality, this can be dangerous. What's the risk? Because of the extremely cold temperature of liquid nitrogen (LIN), there is a possibility for a cryogenic burn if the customer or vendor touches the liquid nitrogen. When ingested, it can destroy tissue in the mouth or digestive tract. And since liquid nitrogen expands rapidly once heated, if enough makes it into the stomach, it can cause perforations.
Air Products does not sell nitrogen for use in these snacks because of our concern for the safety of the vendors and customers.