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Hydrogen Peroxide
General Information
Key Points
Fire
Oxidising and flammable May explode from friction, heat or contamination producing oxygen which increases fire hazard. Reacts violently with combustibles, reducing agents, metals and organic materials such as wood or asbestos Rapidly decomposes to form water and oxygen In the event of a fire involving hydrogen peroxide, use fine water spray and liquid tight fire kit with breathing apparatus
Health
Toxic via ingestion, inhalation, skin or eye contact Harmful and corrosive Ingestion may cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract with vomiting which may contain blood, gastrointestinal bloating, tiredness and coma Inhalation of hydrogen peroxide may cause irritation of the nose, throat and respiratory tract. In severe cases an accumulation of fluid in the lungs may occur Skin contact can cause bleaching of skin, and at higher concentrations redness and swelling, blistering and burns Exposure to the eyes may result in pain, running of the eyes, conjunctivitis, and sensitivity to light
Environment
Avoid release into the environment Inform Environment Agency of substantial incidents
Prepared by the Toxicology Department CRCE, PHE 2009 Version 1
Background
Hydrogen peroxide is a colourless liquid with a slightly sharp odour, which is unstable and flammable under heating, friction or when contaminated.
Hydrogen peroxide occurs naturally at very low levels in the air and water, in human and plant tissues and bacteria and in some food and drinks.
Hydrogen peroxide is produced industrially in large quantities. The main use of hydrogen peroxide is as a bleaching agent for wood pulp, as well as for bleaching textiles, paper and food. It is also used as a chemical intermediate in the production of a wide range of chemicals, plastics and pharmaceuticals.
Hydrogen peroxide is used to treat waste water and sewage from industrial and domestic sources and for detoxifying organic pollutants in the environment. It is also used as a commercial disinfectant and antimicrobial agent. Hydrogen peroxide is a component in some types of rocket fuel as it is extremely reactive. Hydrogen peroxide at low concentrations (around 3-6%) is used in peroxide-based hair dyes.
Exposure to large amounts of hydrogen peroxide is most likely to occur in an occupational setting. However, the general public may be exposed to small amounts due to its use in many domestic products.
Hydrogen peroxide is toxic at high concentrations by all routes of exposure, whether it is ingested, inhaled or comes into contact with the skin and eyes, producing effects at the site of contact.
Hydrogen peroxide is an irritant. Inhalation of hydrogen peroxide vapours causes irritation to the nose, throat and respiratory tract. In severe cases an accumulation of fluid in the lungs may occur, which can potentially be fatal. Ingestion may cause abdominal pain, foaming at the mouth, vomiting which may include blood, gastric bloating, fever, lethargy and unconsciousness. High concentrations will cause irritation and corrosion to the gastrointestinal tract and may cause death.
Skin contact with dilute solutions of hydrogen peroxide may cause whitening or bleaching of the skin. Contact with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation and redness, corrosion, severe burns, blisters, ulcers and permanent scarring. Eye contact with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can cause pain, running of the eyes, conjunctivitis, sensitivity to light, severe eye burns and permanent injury including blindness.
Children exposed to hydrogen peroxide are expected to show similar effects to adults. Exposure to hydrogen peroxide during pregnancy is not likely to cause damage to the unborn child since it is rapidly detoxified with only a minimal amount getting into the blood.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has concluded that hydrogen peroxide is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (group 3).
If you have got hydrogen peroxide in your eyes remove contact lenses, wash the affected area with lukewarm water for at least 10 – 15 minutes and seek medical advice.
If you have ingested hydrogen peroxide seek medical advice.
This document has been created by the PHE Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards. The information contained in this document is correct at the time of its publication..
