• Question: what makes hydrogen peroxide dangerous? and why is it so dangerous?

    Asked by carmeen.06 to Paul, Natasha on 8 Nov 2017.
    • Photo: Natasha Myhill

      Natasha Myhill answered on 8 Nov 2017:

      Hydrogen peroxide is found in a few household items in small quantities – like hair bleach, teeth whitening, although you should never consume this because it is dangerous like you say. This is because when it comes into contact with the skin, it is broken down into water and oxygen gas. If swallowed, the creation of oxygen bubbles can cause vomiting. However, that is just if you swallow very small amounts – in larger volumes, it is indeed very toxic to cells and has been known to cause internal burns, seizures and brain damage.

    • Photo: Paul McKeegan

      Paul McKeegan answered on 9 Nov 2017:

      Yeah, it’s unpleasant stuff. I’d be too scared to put it on my hair!
      The oxygen released can also form things called reactive oxygen species, which are really damaging to cells, especially DNA and proteins. Best to keep it outside the body!

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