The difference between the various grades (at least at the scientific level) is a certification. Ie they actually test it.
When you buy dry ice from many welding suppliers, they’ll tell you that the food grade and the ‘non-food’ grade are the same things. There is no Difference. CO2 is an...
beware the dreaded Google Search. The question asked was about CO2. The information that the HVAC source provided is based on the more common questions about Carbon Monoxide ie CO. (in which case, the A/C isn't creating CO2, it's moving it around.
I think the primary effect here would be evaporative heat loss. The polymer would simply dry up as the water escapes. This material is essentially inert. It retains water (hydrophilic) and expands as it absorbs water. I wouldn't waste your money on the 'artificial snow'.... any cheap...
personally, I would buy the cheapest gas available.... that being said, I doubt food grade would be much more expensive than industrial grade. Do not waste your money on high purity gas. The CO2 in the air isn't that pure :)