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How is hydrogen peroxide harmful?

Updated: 8/11/2023
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13y ago

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Yes, and it's also corrosive and would do a lot of damage to the esophagus.

Another opinion:While the above may be true for high concentration hydrogen peroxide, it bears noting the antiseptic one buys at the pharmacy is a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and water. At this concentration, it's comparatively harmless, and it would take a huge dose to do any serious harm. In fact, I've seen hydrogen peroxide 3% prescribed as an oral mouthwash-antiseptic. And it would take an amazing amount to reach acute toxicity.

That said, it's probably not a good idea to swallow the stuff. So, in answer to the question, small amounts of hydrogen peroxide can be consumed without significant harm (although -- once more -- this is not a good idea).

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12y ago
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13y ago

ITS NOT if you mix it with water

well... pure hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer. if ingested i would imagine it would have much the same result as bleach on your insides.. such as liquefaction. but the 3% mix off the shelves at the store im not sure is so harmful. still i wouldn't try drinking it.

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14y ago

Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizing agent. However, humans have a mechanism for coping with it, in the form of an enzyme known as peroxidase. The bubbling you see when you pour hydrogen peroxide into a cut is from the peroxidase breaking down the hydrogen peroxide and releasing oxygen gas.

Most single-celled organisms do not have this enzyme, which is why hydrogen peroxide is so deadly to them.

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13y ago

It can oxidize the components of the cell and the membranes etc thus causing damage.

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13y ago

It is an oxidizer that can break down needed molecules in the body and damage cells.

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6y ago

Ordinary water (H2O) does NOT contain hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

Hydrogen peroxide would have had to have been added by someone for it to be in water!

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13y ago

In concentrated form it is a powerful oxidizer. By definition it can oxidise skin, nerve endings, eye membranes etc.

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8y ago

Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizing agent and can be dangerous for skin and eyes.

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Q: How is hydrogen peroxide harmful?
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Yes it is extremely harmful and is an irritant so I wouldn't drink it.


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