As the solid carbon dioxide warms, it sublimates to gas and the pressure in the bottle increases.
Bombs typically rupture within 30 seconds to half an hour, dependent largely on the temperature of the air outside the bottle.
[1] A dry ice bomb may develop frost on its exterior prior to explosion.
The abrupt release of high-pressure gas creates a loud noise, which can cause hearing damage even at substantial distances.
[3][4][5][6] In one case, the explosive release of carbon dioxide gas ruptured the esophagus of a child, requiring emergency surgery.