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What is hydrogen peroxide?
In simple terms Hydrogen Peroxide consists of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms, as shown in the chemical formula H2O2. (H stands for Hydrogen, O for oxygen, and the 2 shows the number of atoms present in each molecule). Hydrogen peroxide is very similar to water (H2O), but the extra oxygen atom produces one of the most useful and powerful oxidizers known to man—hydrogen peroxide (oxygen rich water). Also known as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide is made in the body, for instance, white blood cells produce, amongst other things, hydrogen peroxide to kill germs and fight infections.
What is hydrogen peroxide used for?
When most people think of hydrogen peroxide, they normally make the connection with hair bleaching or teeth whitening. It certainly is used for these purposes, but many people are unaware that there are several grades of this amazing oxygen rich water, and that it has a far wider gamut. It is a truly multi-purpose disinfectant, killing germs and bacteria. Food grade hydrogen peroxide is used around the world in bio-oxidative therapies. External use of food grade hydrogen peroxide is approved even in countries such as the USA, Canada and the UK, which are very conservative on issues of healthcare.
How does hydrogen peroxide work as a disinfectant?
It is quite simply the oxygen that does all the work. When it is used, hydrogen peroxide very quickly breaks down into water, releasing the extra oxygen atom, which then creates oxidization. In this chemical process, the oxygen atom combines with another substance and breaks down the function of the molecules (depending what is present, fizzing can be seen).
H2O2 and bacteria
Before we go any further, we need to explain aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Good bacteria are generally aerobic, which basically means that they need oxygen to survive. Conversely, harmful bacteria are anaerobic, which means that they cannot survive in an oxygen rich environment.
What types of hydrogen peroxide are available?
There are a number of different grades:
• 3% Pharmaceutical Grade — This can be purchased at the chemist's and is used for cleaning wounds and as a general household disinfectant. But this grade can have a whole range of stabilizers, such as acetanilide, phenol, sodium stanate and tetrasodium phosphate.
• 6% Beautician Grade — For use as hair colorant and contains stabilizers.
• 30% Reagent Grade — Used in scientific experiments, also contains stabilizers.
• 30% to 35% Electronic Grade — Used to clean electronic equipment.
• 35% Technical Grade — Contains phosphorus to neutralize tap water (if added)
• 35% Food Grade — This is used in many food preparation processes, for instance, in aseptic packaging, where it is sprayed onto foil lined material used for packaging fruit juices, etc. (This product is available to those with a governement issued licence)
• 12% Food Grade — A similar product to 35% Food Grade but in a diluted form to comply with EU regulations.
If it is such a good disinfectant, do hospitals use it?
NHS hospitals use hydrogen peroxide, as they realize its efficacy against a wide range of environmentally associated nosocomial pathogens (superbugs). A company called BIOQUELL have a hydrogen peroxide vapour machine to decontaminate tools, wards and rooms.
What grade should be used?
Only 12% Food Grade should be used. Please Note: never use at the full 12% strength.
Hydrogen peroxide needs to be diluted down to 3% solution — this is very easy to do:
Use 1 part 12% food grade to 3 parts of distilled water. For example, to make 400ml of 3% H2O2, use 100ml of 12% H2O2 with 300ml of distilled water.
Warning: 12% H2O2 is a strong oxidizer — when handling always use rubber gloves and safety glasses. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Hydrogen peroxide uses:
(Whenever 3% H2O2 is mentioned, please note that this is 12% food grade diluted to 3%)
Storage
Keep food grade hydrogen peroxide out of the light and away from heat. Always store/keep in cool, dark conditions.
Size
Hydrogen peroxide food grade 12% is supplied in 100ml and 500ml. Before you add your quantity to the basket, please select the H2O2 size using the product options.
Packaging
We carefully package each bottle of hydrogen peroxide. Our 100ml bottle is inside a larger white plastic container. The 500ml bottle is in a zip seal bag contained in a larger cardboard tube with white sealing caps top and bottom.
Neither manufacturer and/or seller make any claims or warranty expressed or implied concerning this product, except that it is of standard quality. Neither shall be held responsible in any manner for any personal injury, property damage or other type of loss resulting from handling, storage or use of any product manufactured by its use. The buyer accepts and uses this material on these conditions.
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