Carbon dioxide pellet blasting is similar to sand blasting except that carbon dioxide pellets are used instead of sand. Carbon dioxide pellet blasting is preferred over conventional sand blasting, because sand removes only the zebra mussel outer shell exposing the soft inner tissues which absorb the pressure. Unlike sandblasting, this method removes more organic material and is less likely to damage the surface. The method has been used extensively to remove of organics from aircraft, producing no deterioration of surfaces. In confined areas where the removal of sand is a problem, no additional material must be removed since carbon dioxide pellets readily vaporize. Carbon dioxide pellet blasting cools the zebra mussels, making them brittle and more easily removed. When solid carbon dioxide is converted to gas, it penetrates voids and the area of zebra mussel attachment, lifting the organism off the surface.