Give the disadvantages of hydrogen peroxide H2O2? (2024)

FAQs

Give the disadvantages of hydrogen peroxide H2O2? ›

Depending on the concentration, breathing hydrogen peroxide vapor can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, and breathing difficulty. Serious eye or skin burns and bleaching of the hair may result from contact with hydrogen peroxide solutions.

Hydrogen peroxide can irritate the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Exposure of the eyes to concentrations of 5% or more can result in permanent eye damage.

Swallowing even tiny amounts of hydrogen peroxide at this strength can be fatal. It is toxic to drink, touch, or breathe. It should not be used for home or personal use of any kind. Industrial use hydrogen peroxide is often used to bleach fabrics, textiles, and paper products, in addition to other uses.

The chemical's volatile nature allows for rapid oxidation, a key aid to help heal wounds. However, the downside to hydrogen peroxide is that it disrupts the cellular integrity of tissue. For example, the immune systems in animals, including humans, will emit hydrogen peroxide against infected cells to destroy them.

The release of oxygen causes foaming, which helps to remove dead skin and clean the area.This product should not be used to treat deep wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.

► Exposure to Hydrogen Peroxide can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

Hydrogen peroxide unfortunately does not discriminate between bacteria cells and our own cells. While you may think you are thoroughly cleaning your wound, you are causing corrosive tissue damage, significantly impairing the healing process, and irreversibly worsen the scarring process.

When a solution of hydrogen peroxide is added to human blood the peroxide is decomposed and oxygen is evolved. This reaction has been used to oxygenate stored blood before transfusion (Nikitin, 1948).

While Hydrogen Peroxide can be effective for teeth whitening, there is a chance of certain side effects like tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. These side effects are typically mild and temporary, subsiding after a few days. Consult a dental professional if you are concerned.

Why is hydrogen peroxide harmful to bacteria? ›

Hydrogen peroxide is responsible for certain bactericidal effects observed in biological systems, such as growth inhibition of one bacterial species by another and killing of invading microorganisms by activated phagocytic cells.

Catalase enzymes break down hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to water and oxygen molecules, which protects cells from oxidative damage by reactive oxygen species. Commercial catalases are produced from Aspergillus niger through a solid-state fermentation process (Fiedurek and Gromada, 2000).

Hydrogen peroxide rinse is a mild antiseptic used in the mouth to help relieve minor mouth irritation (such as due to canker/cold sores, gingivitis, dentures, orthodontic appliances). It works by releasing oxygen when it is applied to the affected area.

Avoid doing so for as long as you experience pain. This happens because peroxide can cause significant damage to the protective enamel of teeth if used too often or in too-high concentrations. More serious side effects of hydrogen peroxide whitening include inflammation of the teeth roots in the gums.

Using hydrogen peroxide as an athlete's foot treatment is not recommended. There is no research to show that it is an effective treatment, and it can cause skin irritation. Other home treatments can successfully treat or prevent athlete's foot, like talcum powder, Epsom salts, and over-the-counter creams.