Chemical of the Week Part 2 - Hydrogen Peroxide

Hazard Profile

Chemical Name and Pseudonyms

Hydrogen Peroxide, Hydrogen Dioxide, Hydroperoxide, Peroxide, Oxydol, Casbamide Peroxide

UN Number

2984 (8-20% sol.) 2014 (20-60% sol.), 2015 (>50% sol)

Chemical Formula

H₂O₂

Hazards

Oxidizing, caustic liquid

PPE Considerations

SFPC, Splash Protective Garment, or multi-threat ensemble with SCBA

Fire Fighting Considerations

Foam, CO₂, water spray.  Do not use dry chemical extinguisher

Decontamination

Soap and water

Detection and Monitoring

Colormetric, electrochemical sensor, PID IP = 10.354 ev

Chemical and Physical Properties

Physical State

Colorless liquid with pungent odor

Vapor Pressure

~5 mmHg

Boiling Point

~286^oF

Vapor Density

~1.1

Specific Gravity

~1.1

Miscibility

Miscible

Flash Point

-

LEL/UEL

-

Autoignition Temp

-

pH

3.3

Toxicity

IDLH

~75 ppm

PEL/REL/STEL

1 ppm/1 ppm/-

LD50

~376 mg/kg

LC50

~2000 mg/m³

Radioactive (Yes/No)

No

Medical

Toxicological Considerations

Caustic by all routes. 

Signs/Symptoms of Exposure

Respiratory symptoms, skin burns, eye damage, chest tightness

Medical Treatment

Fresh air and treat symptomatically, flush areas of contact with water

Other Information

Decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen, avoid heat and light, incompatible with finely powdered metals, copper, reducing agents, strong bases, combustible and organic material

Chemical Structure