Hydrogen Peroxide

Let’s pretend you are riding your bike down the street and suddenly, the neighbour’s cat stops in front of you but you were unable to brake in time. You lose control of the bike causing you to fall and scrape your knee. Your mom, always coming in to your rescue, comes out with this brown bottle and a cotton pad. What do you think is in there that heals your cut? Is your mom magic?

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Well, she could be but in reality, it is a chemical compound called Hydrogen Peroxide or H2O2. It is basically a composition of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.¹ In fact, not only is it in that magic bottle but you can also find it in bleach or your sister’s hair dye. If you look closely enough, it is also in your mouthwash. Now, as your mom dabs your wound, you might hear a slight fizzing sound and see foam building up but don’t be scared! Hydrogen Peroxide fizzes and foams because it is releasing oxygen gas as it comes in contact with your blood and other exposed cells. Another example can be mouthwash. As you swirl it around your mouth, it foams too. This is to ensure that bacteria does not build up in your mouth and cause infections.²

Companies make hydrogen peroxide very carefully and in different concentrations. For example, the solution used for your cut is stronger than the solution in your mouthwash. This is to prevent poisoning and irritation. Hydrogen peroxide should be handled by an adult or a professional because overexposure can be deadly. Hydrogen peroxide on its own can cause bleeding and if inhaled can cause shortness of breath. It can also irritate the nose and the throat if not handled properly.¹

All chemicals should be handled with caution so if you are not sure, always ask an adult for help. 

References:

¹Hydrogen Peroxide. In Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology[Online]; Wiley & Sons, Posted August 17, 2001.                 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.libproxy.mtroyal.ca/doi/10.1002/0471238961.0825041808051919.a01.pub2/full (accessed on Oct 16, 2017).

²Why Does Hydrogen Peroxide Foam When You Put It On A Cut.                 https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/science-questions/question115.htm (accessed   on Oct 30, 2017)