Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a chemical compound that’s clear and colourless in appearance. This versatile liquid chemical compound contains hydrogen and water. Technically, a hydrogen peroxide solution is a water (H2O) with an additional oxygen molecule (H2O2). This extra oxygen molecule oxidizes the water giving hydrogen peroxide its antiseptic powers.
This oxidation bleaches colour from fabrics and kills germs. Most people use home or medical-grade hydrogen peroxide solutions. These solutions have 3% strength. That means they’re made of 3% peroxide and 97% water. Medical-grade hydrogen peroxide isn’t the only version of this chemical. The clear liquid is categorized based on its potency –
1) Home or Medical-Grade Hydrogen Peroxide: 3% peroxide and 97% water; ideal for disinfecting wounds or household products/surfaces.
2) Non-Hydrogen Peroxide: Legally, manufacturers can’t sell products that contain 0.1% (or more) hydrogen peroxide to anyone but dentists. That’s why many tooth-bleaching products are sold as non-hydrogen peroxide products. These over-the-counter products are usually sold in the form of gels. They don’t contain hydrogen peroxide. But, they do produce bleaching effects (hence they’re primarily used for teeth whitening).
3) Hydrogen Peroxide for Bleaching: These solutions typically contain 6% to 10% peroxide and the rest water. They’re used in various cosmetic and hair care products.
4)Food-Grade Hydrogen Peroxide: Commonly known as 35 hydrogen peroxide, this version of the chemical is used in the processing/bleaching of certain food items. It contains 35% peroxide and 65% water.
5) Industrial-Grade Hydrogen Peroxide: This is the most robust hydrogen peroxide solution used in manufacturing plants. It contains up to 90% peroxide and less than 10% water.
What Is the Purpose of Hydrogen Peroxide?
Most people have probably already used 3% hydrogen peroxide solutions to treat minor scrapes or cuts. When you apply this solution to the skin, it produces foams. These foams kill bacteria, remove dead skin cells, and clean the injured areas. However, hydrogen peroxide (even medical-grade hydrogen peroxide) can kill healthy cells.
Using this relatively “mild” antiseptic to treat mouth infections, deep wounds, or burns isn’t good. Doctors no longer recommend medical-grade hydrogen peroxide solutions to patients. Higher grades of this chemical are even more harmful if they’re ingested or if they get in your eyes.
When to Avoid Using Hydrogen Peroxide?
Whether you’re using non-hydrogen peroxide or 35 hydrogen peroxide – asking your doctor for guidance is vital. Only use products that contain these chemicals if your doctor says it's okay. When using these products –
1. Follow all directions or steps on the product packages.
2. Never apply products that contain this chemical over large areas of your skin or your eyes.
3. Only apply small amounts of medical-grade hydrogen peroxide to your wounds. Listen to your doctor regarding how many times you should use products containing this chemical.
4. Don't swallow it if you’re using mouthwashes or teeth cleaning products that contain non-hydrogen peroxide.
Avoid using hydrogen peroxide products if your doctors advise you not to. Also, if your doctor asks you to use such products but your condition doesn’t improve in 7-10 days – stop. Stop using these products and seek immediate medical attention.
Definition of Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound that contains water (H2O) and an additional oxygen molecule (H2O2). Here are the fundamental chemical properties of hydrogen peroxide –
1. Chemical Formula: H2O2
2. Boiling Point: 150.2 °C
3. Melting Point: - 0.43 °C
4. Molecular Molar Mass: 4.0147 g/molDensity: 1.05 g/cm3
Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
1) Disinfection: Medical-grade peroxide is an excellent alternative to bleach. It can be used to clean - bathtubs, sinks, showers, counters, cutting boards, doorknobs, mirrors, refrigerators, and toilets.
2) Wash Vegetables: Medical-grade peroxide kills bacteria, fungi, viruses, pesticides, and other germs on fruits and vegetables.
3) Home Cleaning: From removing carpet stains to eliminating clothing stains to brightening tile grout - peroxide sprays are great for home cleaning. Treat Wounds and
4) Infections: Medical-grade hydrogen peroxides solutions are used as antiseptics for treating wounds and preventing infections.
Side Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Ingesting or touching more vital grades of hydrogen peroxide (e.g., food-grade 35 hydrogen peroxide) can cause serious side effects in humans. Some of them include –
1. Skin peeling
2. Itching
3. Stinging sensation
4. Erythema (skin redness)
Before using hydrogen peroxide, consult with your doctor.