What is it exactly about hydrogen peroxide that makes it so advantageous? In this article, we’ll explain what hydrogen peroxide is, how it works as a cleaning agent, and how to make an effective cleaner with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can be used to make an effective, broad-spectrum cleaning agent that is also safe for […]
Hydrogen peroxide can be safely poured down the drain at low concentrations, such as those sold in drug stores. However, additional safety precautions must be taken when disposing of concentrated hydrogen peroxide.
Despite its reputation, hydrogen peroxide is actually a very stable molecule under the right storage conditions. This is why hydrogen peroxide tends to be sold in dark containers, which protect it from light exposure. It should also be stored at ambient or cool temperatures to help prevent degradation.
Because of its good safety profile, low environmental impact, and broad-spectrum efficacy, hydrogen peroxide is a useful disinfectant in medical, food, and environmental applications.
Do you know why hydrogen peroxide bubbles when you pour it on a wound? It’s because cells (including bacterial cells but also your body cells) contain an enzyme called catalase, which releases oxygen gas bubbles from hydrogen peroxide.
When it comes to pool maintenance and treatment, balancing the pool’s chemical levels, sanitizing, oxidizing, and preventing algae from happening is a priority. The pool’s water balance is measured for its alkalinity, pH, calcium hardness, temperature, total dissolved solids, levels of cyanuric acid, and the chemicals utilized for its treatment. All those pieces work together to maintain a healthy and safe pool for everyone to use.
The rules for shipping hydrogen peroxide are governed by the concentration of the solution. Hydrogen peroxide is readily miscible with water, and easily forms solutions from single digit percent by weight concentrations up to those that exceed 60% by weight.
Approximately three-fifths of the hydrogen peroxide produced in the world is applied to the bleaching of the pulp and paper industry.
The second most important industrial application of hydrogen peroxide is in the production of the mild bleaches present in laundry detergents.
It is also used in polymerization, for bleaching flour, and as an acne treatment method.
In the cosmetics and personal care industry hydrogen peroxide can serve several purposes. Chief among those are its roles as bleaching agent, its use as an antiseptic, and its role as a preservative. The way that the hydrogen peroxide works in each case is similar, with its oxidative powers at the core of its use.
Hydrogen peroxide, also referred to hydrogen dioxide, is a molecule consisting of two hydrogen and two oxygen atoms that can occur naturally in the air. The chemical is a colorless liquid at room temperature with a bitter taste. While there are several methods to produce hydrogen peroxide, the chemical is typically manufactured through a synthesis known as the anthraquinone process. The process is based on the cyclical reduction and oxidation of an alkylated anthraquinone.
