ToxFAQsTM for Hydrogen Peroxide
Spanish: Peróxido de Hidrógeno
CAS#: 7722-84-1
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This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions about hydrogen peroxide. For more information, you may call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-888-422-8737. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. It is important you understand this information because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present.
Highlights
Hydrogen peroxide is a manufactured chemical, although small amounts of hydrogen peroxide gas may occur naturally in the air. Low exposure may occur from use at home; higher exposures may occur from industrial use. Exposure to hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation of the eyes, throat, respiratory airway, and skin. Drinking concentrated liquid can cause mild to severe gastrointestinal effects. This substance has been found in at least 18 of the 1,585 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
What is hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid
at room temperature with a bitter taste. Small amounts of
gaseous hydrogen peroxide occur naturally in the air. Hydrogen
peroxide is unstable, decomposing readily to oxygen and water
with release of heat. Although nonflammable, it is a powerful
oxidizing agent that can cause spontaneous combustion when
it comes in contact with organic material.
Hydrogen peroxide is found in many households
at low concentrations (3-9%) for medicinal applications and
as a clothes and hair bleach. In industry, hydrogen peroxide
in higher concentrations is used as a bleach for textiles
and paper, as a component of rocket fuels, and for producing foam rubber and organic chemicals.
What happens to hydrogen peroxide when it enters the environment?
- Hydrogen peroxide released to the atmosphere will react
very rapidly with other compounds found in air.
- Hydrogen peroxide breaks down rapidly in water.
- If released to soil, hydrogen peroxide will be broken
down by reacting with other compounds.
- Hydrogen peroxide does not accumulate in the food chain.
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How might I be exposed to hydrogen peroxide?
- You can be exposed to hydrogen peroxide through its use
as a general disinfectant. Hydrogen peroxide solutions used
for this purpose are sold at almost all drugstores or supermarkets.
- Because hydrogen peroxide is used in many industries for
a variety of purposes, workers in such industries may be
exposed to this chemical through inhalation or contact with
the skin.
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How can hydrogen peroxide affect my health?
Hydrogen peroxide can be toxic if ingested,
inhaled, or by contact with the skin or eyes. Inhalation of
household strength hydrogen peroxide (3%) can cause respiratory
irritation. Exposure to household strength hydrogen peroxide
can cause mild ocular irritation. Inhalation of vapors from
concentrated (higher than 10%) solutions may result in severe
pulmonary irritation.
Ingestion of dilute solutions of hydrogen
peroxide may result in vomiting, mild gastrointestinal irritation,
gastric distension, and on rare occasions, gastrointestinal
erosions or embolism (blockage of blood vessels by air bubbles).
Ingestion of solutions of 10-20% strength produces similar
symptoms, but exposed tissues may also be burned. Ingestion
of even more concentrated solutions, in addition to the above,
may also induce rapid loss of consciousness followed by respiratory
paralysis.
Eye exposure to 3% hydrogen peroxide
may result in pain and irritation, but severe injury is rare.
More concentrated solution may result in ulceration or perforation
of the cornea. Skin contact can cause irritation and temporary
bleaching of the skin and hair. Contact with concentrated
solutions may cause severe skin burns with blisters.
We do not know if exposure to hydrogen
peroxide may affect reproduction in humans.
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How likely is hydrogen peroxide to cause cancer?
The International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) has determined that hydrogen peroxide is
not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.
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How does hydrogen peroxide affect children?
There are no studies on the health effects
of children exposed to hydrogen peroxide. Documented cases
of children being accidently exposed to hydrogen peroxide
have described effects similar to those observed in adults.
We do not know if exposure to hydrogen
peroxide may result in birth defects or other developmental
effects in people.
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How can families reduce the risk of exposure to hydrogen peroxide?
Most families may be exposed to household
strength hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide should not be stored
in containers that may appear attractive to children, such
as soda bottles. Containers with hydrogen peroxide should
be stored out of the reach of children.
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Is there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to hydrogen peroxide?
There are no clinical tests that show
that you have been exposed to hydrogen peroxide. White foam
from the mouth immediately after ingestion of significant
amounts may provide a clue to emergency personnel.
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Has the federal government made recommendations to
protect human health?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) sets a limit of 1 part of hydrogen peroxide in a million
parts of air (1 ppm) in the workplace for an 8-hour work shift,
40-hour work week.
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References
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR). 2002. Managing Hazardous Materials Incidents.
Volume III - Medical Management Guidelines for Acute
Chemical Exposures: Hydrogen Peroxide. Atlanta,
GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health
Service.
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Where can I get more information?
If you have questions or concerns, please contact your community or state health or environmental quality department or:
For more information, contact:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Office of Innovation and Analytics, Toxicology Section
4770 Buford Highway
Chamblee, GA 30341-3717
Phone: 1-800-CDC-INFO 888-232-6348 (TTY)
Email: Contact CDC-INFO
ATSDR can also tell you the location of occupational and environmental health clinics. These clinics specialize in recognizing, evaluating, and treating illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances.