đž Content :
- â . Overview
- â Ą. Hydrogen Peroxide Concentrations
- â ˘. Hydrogen Peroxide for medical purposes
- â Ł. Other uses of hydrogen peroxide
đž Overview
Hydrogen peroxide, (H2O2), is chemical compound, usually produced as aqueous solutions of various strengths. It was discovered in 1818 and has been commercially available since the nineteenth century
Hydrogen peroxide has many potential uses, but also several safety issues if people use it incorrectly. It is a mild antiseptic used on the skin to prevent infection, also it is a common ingredient in many bleaches, dyes, cleansers, etc.
Note : It is sold in pharmacies in different dilution values (10, 20 or 30 volumes). Only the 10 volume dilution can be used as an antiseptic and haemostatic.
Hydrogen peroxide V20
đž Hydrogen Peroxide Concentrations
â Hydrogen peroxide can have different strengths or concentrations, depending on the intended use. Concentrations are most often expressed as a percentage: 3%, 10%, 30%, etc. Sometimes the concentration is indicated by a "V" : V20, V40, etc. A concentration of 3% corresponds to V10.
â The term "10V = 10 volumes" means that one liter of solution can release 10 liters of active oxygen.
- Hydrogen peroxide concentrated at 3% (97% water and 3% peroxide): it is medical grade peroxide like hydrogen peroxide officinalis or in supermarkets.
- Concentrated hydrogen peroxide 6% to 10% : this is the concentration of some hair dyes and teeth whitening products
- Concentration of 35% : this is food grade peroxide. It is called "food grade" because the food industry uses it for several purposes, such as processing and bleaching certain foods.
- Up to 90% : the concentration in industrial products not intended for domestic use.
đž Hydrogen Peroxide for medical purposes
â In the health sector, hydrogen peroxide is used for different roles :
- Mild antiseptic : It is used for cleaning the skin and antisepsis of wounds or superficial lesions of the skin. Due to their effervescent properties in contact with blood which allows a mechanical action of cleaning by release of oxygen, they temporarily reduce the number of micro-organisms.
- Hemostatic : Applying hydrogen peroxide to the skin helps stop bleeding from minor wounds.
Note :
1- This product should not be used to treat deep wounds, animal bites or severe burns.
2- You can have acne treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide. But hydrogen peroxide and benzoyl peroxide are not the same. Do not use it for acne.
3- This antiseptic is not suitable for the disinfection of scissors, razors and other potentially contaminating objects.
đž Other uses of hydrogen peroxide
â Bleaching : About 60% of global hydrogen peroxide production is used for pulp and paper bleaching. The second major industrial application is in the manufacture of sodium percarbonate and sodium perborate, which are used as mild bleaches in laundry detergents.
â Hair bleaching : Diluted hydrogen peroxide (between 1.9% and 12%) mixed with aqueous ammonia has been used to bleach human hair
â Tooth whitening. : According to the European Commission on Health and Consumer Protection, the use of teeth whitening products containing less than 0.1-6% hydrogen peroxide is considered safe.
â In low concentrations, it can be used as a mouthwash to remove mucus or minor mouth irritation.