Uses For Hydrogen Peroxide
First, let’s start with a little history of Hydrogen Peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound of hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide was discovered in 1818 by French chemist Louis Jacques Thénard One of the first things he found out about hydrogen peroxide is that it attacks the skin, producing painful blotches (fortunately, this effect wears off completely within a few hours). In addition to attacking the skin, the chemical also reacts explosively with metal oxides. Hydrogen peroxide has many uses. Hydrogen peroxide is most widely found in homes in brown bottles containing 3% solutions (3% hydrogen peroxide and 97% water). The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide happens much faster in the presence of light so that an opaque bottle helps slow this process down. Hydrogen peroxide is available for commercial use in several concentrations. Highly concentrated solutions were first used in World War II by the military.
Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide
Mouth Wash / Disinfectant– No more canker sores and you will have whiter teeth.
Clean Surfaces– Add peroxide to a spray bottle and use as a disinfectant cleaner.
Industrial Application– its use in the pulp and paper industry, also bleaching of other materials, such as textiles, furs, feathers, and hair
Bakeries– To condition dough and make it easier to work with
Water and Sewage Treatment Plants– its antibacterial action destroys disease-causing organisms in the water
Food & Drink– a neutralizing agent in the production of wines; and as a disinfectant in the treatment of seeds for agricultural purposes.
The hydrogen peroxide solutions with which people come into contact at home pose little or no health hazard because the concentration of the compound is very low, usually about3 percent. Prolonged use of hydrogen peroxide may cause burns on the skin, however, and the more concentrated solutions used in industry present more serious hazards. They can be toxic if ingested and are explosive if not stored properly.
Full Article can be found at https://www.encyclopedia.com/science-and-technology/chemistry/compounds-and-elements/hydrogen-peroxide
More about Chemist Louis Jacques Thenard at https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/science-and-technology/chemistry-biographies/louis-jacques-thenard
Do you use peroxide in another way not mentioned?
