Description
Properties:
- Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid.
- Odor: Slightly sharp odor.
- Solubility: Miscible with water in all proportions.
- Stability: Decomposes slowly in light and rapidly in the presence of catalysts.
Uses:
- Medical: Antiseptic for cleaning wounds.
- Household: Disinfectant and bleaching agent.
- Industrial: Bleaching textiles and paper, wastewater treatment, and as a reagent in chemical synthesis.
- Cosmetic: Hair bleaching and teeth whitening.
Safety:
- Concentration Matters: Low concentrations (3-6%) are generally safe for household use. Higher concentrations (above 30%) are hazardous and require careful handling.
- Hazards: Can cause skin irritation and burns, especially at higher concentrations. Inhalation of vapors may cause respiratory irritation.
Storage:
- Store in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Use containers made of materials that do not catalyze decomposition, such as plastic or glass.
Hydrogen peroxide is widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets, and chemical supply stores, often in varying concentrations tailored to specific uses.
