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What are various uses of Hydrogen Peroxide ?
Hydrogen Peroxide or H2O2 is a
chemical compound that looks like water but is slightly thick in
nature. It is colorless and odorless and has very strong
oxidizing qualities. It is composed of two hydrogen and two
oxygen atoms. Due to the presence of the extra molecule of
oxygen, hydrogen peroxide is one of the strongest oxidizing
agents known to man. It was discovered in the year 1818 by L.J.
Thenard. Pure H2O2 is pretty stable in nature. However, if
heated above 80°C, it decomposes into water and oxygen.
This water like liquid has a lot of uses – both for commercial
and household purposes. For household usage, it is available in
3% water solution. This is also known as “ten volume strength”
because when it decomposes, one volume releases ten volumes of
oxygen.
Commercially it is prepared by oxidizing
alkylhydroanthraquinones and by electrolysis of ammonium
bisulfate. For commercial purposes, it is used in a variety of
concentrations. Very strong concentrations of hydrogen peroxide
were first used during the Second World War in fuels for rockets
and torpedoes. It is used as a bleaching agent for wool and silk
and also in paper manufacture. Hydrogen peroxide is used in the
production of sodium percarbonate and sodium perborate, which
are used as mild bleaches in detergents.
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As it is a powerful oxidizer, H2O2
has the ability to fight bacteria, virus and fungi. Hence it can
act as a great cleansing agent for our rooms and bathrooms – in
fact it is advisable to replace all the chemical cleansers with
this amazing liquid for a much safer and cleaner option.
Research shows that almost 35% hydrogen peroxide can be used to
shield us from various diseases. It is used by municipal water
supplies as a substitute for chlorine for disinfecting water and
simultaneously preventing growth of harmful contaminants.
Our body produces hydrogen peroxide to combat infections thus
allowing the immune system to function properly. Neutrophils are
the most common form of white blood cells that are present in
the human body. The bone marrow produces these and releases them
in the blood stream. These neutrophilis can move through
capillary walls into the tissue. They get attracted to various
kinds of bacteria, foreign materials and any inflammation. This
process is termed as chemotaxis. Thus when a neutrophil notices
a foreign particle, it engulfs it, releasing hydrogen peroxide
and other chemicals from its granules to destroy the bacteria. |
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• Day to day - household uses:
Hydrogen peroxide is considered to be the most safe and
effective sanitizer. It kills all the harmful organisms by
oxidizing - the process termed as controlled burning process.
• As Mouthwash: 3% H2O2 can be used as mouthwash and for
gargling. In the process of cleaning, it also kills the bacteria
that are present in the mouth. The Food and Drug Administration
has permitted its use as a mouthwash.
• As Toothpaste: A combination of baking soda and 3% H2O2 can be
used as natural home made toothpaste. Toothbrushes can also be
made bacteria and germ free by soaking them in H2O2 solution.
• For dish washing: 2 ounces of 3% H2O2 can be added to the
regular dish washing soap for better sanitation.
• For treating wounds: It can be used in wounds for a fast
recovery (however, it should be done only after your physician’s
prescription).
• For ear infections: After swimming, hydrogen peroxide can be
used for cleaning the ears to prevent any infection.
• For cleaning meat and poultry: 3% H2O2 can be added to
ice-cold water and then used for cleaning meat and poultry.
• In gardens: A mixture of one ounce of 3% H2O2 and water can be
sprayed on the plants in the garden. It has been claimed by the
gardeners that since it breaks down into water and hydrogen
molecules spontaneously, it acts as a preventive for “root rot”
or root death due to the lack of oxygen and hence enhances root
development.
• For laundry: To get that whitening effect on the clothes,
about 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide can be added to the regular
washing detergent.
• In aquariums: H2O2 can be added to the water for providing
oxygen to the small fish. When added to water, H2O2 readily
decomposes into oxygen thus providing the same to the inmates of
the aquarium.
• For the household pets: About 1 ounce of 3% H2O2 can be used
in the water of the pets- both for drinking as well as for
bathing.
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• For treating cold: Hydrogen
peroxide is also a great remedy for colds and flu. Some
practitioners’ advice to put a few drops of this liquid into the
ears at the first symptoms of cold. They claim that will
eliminate cold within a couple of hours. However, this still
needs to be proven medically.
• Removing blood stains: H2O2 is also used for removing blood
stains from clothes. 3 to 4 tablespoons of H2O2 should be poured
on the stained area and allowed to soak for a few minutes. The
stain will disappear once the excess fluid is wiped off.
However, care should be taken as hydrogen peroxide may cause
discoloring of the fabrics.
Some kitchen secrets
• Ever wondered how to keep those vegetables fresh for a longer
time? Just wash them in a bowl of cold water and 1/4th cup of 3%
hydrogen peroxide, rinse and drain.
• Want a sparkling kitchen? Spray all the kitchen cabinets,
tiles, counter tops and appliances with a 3% H2O2 solution. |
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• Instead of discarding the leftover
salad from the dinner/lunch, mist it with a solution of ½ cup water
and one tablespoon hydrogen peroxide. Then drain, cover and put in
the refrigerator. The H2O2 solution will act as a natural
preservative and restore the taste.
Beauty tips
• For that pearl like smile, add baking soda to hydrogen peroxide to
form a paste. Use the same for cleaning your teeth.
• For a home made pedicure session, add about 2 ounces of H2O2 in
one gallon of water. Soak your feet in that for 10 minutes and
notice the difference.
• Use H2O2 as an astringent to clean the face, neck and full body
after a bath. This is a great way to get rid of acne in a natural
way.
• 5% H2O2 solution is often used for bleaching hair.
Storage
The 3% hydrogen peroxide solutions that are commonly found in the
household racks are generally stored in dark containers. This is
because H2O2 decomposes when exposed to light. In fact, the best
place to store H2O2 is inside a dark fridge. Concentrated hydrogen
peroxide (more than 30%) is highly explosive and corrosive in
nature. In the United States, a special authorization is required to
for the possession of this concentrated hydrogen peroxide. Care must
be taken while handling it as even the 3% concentration is capable
of causing irritation to the eyes, skin and mucous membrane. If
swallowed accidentally immediate medical attention is required as
its disintegration inside the stomach releases a huge volume of gas
leading to internal bleeding. Severe pulmonary infection is caused
if a concentration of 10% hydrogen peroxide is inhaled. After the
leak of very high concentrated H2O2 (about 85 to 98%) from a
torpedo, a huge explosion was caused killing all the people in the
Russian submarine, Kursk.
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Article Contributed By: Sukanya
Banerjee
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