GPS Safety Summary
Hydrogen Peroxide
This Product Safety Summary is intended to provide a general overview of
the chemical substance in the context of ICCA Global Product Strategy. The
summary is based on basic information on the chemical substance and is
not intended to provide information about emergency response measures,
medical assistants or treatments.
Substance name
Hydrogen peroxide
CAS-No. 7722-84-1
General statement
Hydrogen peroxide is a clear, colourless liquid with a characteristic odour
that is always present in aqueous solution in different concentrations. It has a
variety of industrial, professional, and consumer applications such as
intermediate for the production of other chemicals and bleaching agent in
the pulp and paper industry. Consumer uses include disinfectant and hair
bleach.
The environmental effects, ecotoxicology and toxicology information
available for Hydrogen peroxide is provided based on studies and/or a
reliable evaluation of its hazardous properties. The hazards of hydrogen
peroxide depend strongly on the concentration used. Hydrogen peroxide can
be harmful if ingested or breathed in and has low toxicity through skin
contact. Hydrogen peroxide can be an irritant or corrosive to the skin, eye or
the throat and lungs, depending on the concentration. It is not associated
with allergic reactions and does not cause toxicity following prolonged
repeated exposure except for some local irritation effects. It has not shown
mutagenic or carcinogenic effects and has no effect on male or female
fertility, conception or development of the embryo and fetus.
When released into the environment, hydrogen peroxide is found mainly in
surface water where in general it is quickly degraded to form water and
oxygen. It does not evaporate from water and does not adsorb to soil.
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Hydrogen peroxide can be toxic to some aquatic organisms and is not bio
accumulative.
Hydrogen peroxide is naturally present at low concentrations in the air and in
water.
Hydrogen peroxide should not enter surface water, groundwater water and
soil. General and substance specific operational conditions and risk
management measures are in place preventing exposure to workers and
release to the environment.
Chemical identity
Chemical name (IUPAC)
Hydrogen peroxide
Brand names
HYPROX®, PERSYNT®, OXTERIL®,
PERTRONIC®, PERALKALI®, PROPULSE®,
CLARMARIN®, ASPERIX®
CAS number
7722-84-1
EC number
231-765-0
Molecular formula
H2O2
Structure
Chemical characterization
Inorganic peroxide
Synonyms
Hydrogen dioxide
Perhydrol
Eau Oxygenée
Uses and application
Hydrogen peroxide has a variety of industrial, professional and consumer
applications. These include synthesis of various peroxides and other
chemicals, bleaching and de-inking in the pulp and paper industry and
bleaching of textiles, fibrous and non-fibrous materials. It is also used in the
treatment of industrial process water, wastewater, drinking water and
exhaust gases, as etching agent in the electronic industry, as oxidizer in the
mining industry or in surface finishing of metals. Furthermore it is used as a
cleaning agent, in hair dyeing and bleaching and many other miscellaneous
uses (e.g. dental care products, biocide product, medicinal products, aseptic,
detergent or other cosmetic products).
Physical/chemical properties
Hydrogen peroxide is always present as an aqueous solution of varying
concentration. Aqueous solutions of hydrogen peroxide are clear, colorless
liquids at standard temperature and pressure with a characteristic odor. The
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density of a 50 % (w/w) solution is approx. 1.19 g/cm³, which is higher than
that of water. Hydrogen peroxide does not react with water or oxygen.
Hydrogen peroxide is not classified as a flammable liquid, but it is classified
as an oxidizer and may explode in contact with organic materials, catalysts
or impurities. The substance does not self-ignite.
Property
Value
Form(s)
liquid
Physical state
liquid
Color
clear, colorless
Odour
characteristic
Density
1.196 g/cm3 (20°C) [50% (w/w) aqueous solution]
1.131 g/cm3 (20°C) [35% (w/w) aqueous solution]
Melting / Boiling
-52°C / 114°C [50% (w/w) aqueous solution]
point
-33°C / 108°C [35% (w/w) aqueous solution]
Explosive properties
Not explosive
Self-ignition
Not ignitable / not spontaneously flammable
temperature
Vapor pressure
2.99 hPa (25°C) – H2O2 (100%)
2400 Pa (30°C) – total vapor pressure – H2O2 and
water [both 50% (w/w) aqueous solution]
Molecular weight
34.02 g/mol
Water solubility
completely miscible with water in all proportions
Flashpoint
not flammable
n-octanol-water
Log pow: - 1,57
partition coefficient
(calculated using QSAR method)
Health effects
Hydrogen peroxide is a local irritant. It is harmful if swallowed or inhaled.
However, the effects depend on the concentration and are characterised by
irritations of the mucous membranes of mouth, oesophagus, stomach and
intestinal tract as well as the lung. Hydrogen peroxide has a low dermal
toxicity. Concentrated hydrogen peroxide (≥ 50%) causes severe skin burns
and eye damage. Concentrations of 35 - < 50% cause skin irritation and may
cause respiratory irritation. Up to concentrations of 5%, no eye irritation is
expected. Higher concentrations cause eye irritation, 8% and more cause
severe eye damage.
After repeated exposure, mainly local effects (gastrointestinal tract, lung) are
relevant. Due to the rapid degradation at the first site of contact by
endogenous enzymes, systemic effects are considered to be negligible.
Hydrogen peroxide showed genotoxic potential in different cell culture tests
which could not be confirmed in further tests. Therefore, hydrogen peroxide
is not considered to be genotoxic or mutagenic.
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Hydrogen peroxide is considered not to be a carcinogen of practical
relevance.
There is no evidence for reprotoxic effects. Due to the rapid degradation, it is
not expected that hydrogen peroxide reaches the germ cells or the fetus.
Health effects
Effect Assessment
Result
Acute toxicity (oral, dermal
Harmful if swallowed (products with
and inhalation)
concentrations ≥ 8% hydrogen
peroxide) or inhaled (products with
concentrations ≥ 50%), low dermal
toxicity.
Irritation / corrosion
Products with concentrations of 35 - <
Skin / eye / respiratory tract
50% cause skin, and may cause
respiratory irritation.
Products with concentrations ≥ 50%
cause severe skin burns and eye
damage, in concentrations ≥ 70% even
with short-term contact with skin.
Causes serious eye damage in
concentrations ≥ 8%
Sensitization
No evidence of skin-sensitizing
properties
Toxicity after repeated
Local effects after prolonged inhalative
exposure
exposure. Local effects after prolonged
Oral / dermal / inhalation
oral exposure. No data for dermal
exposure available
Genotoxicity / mutagenicity
Not mutagenic/ not genotoxic
Carcinogenicity
No evidence for a carcinogenic potential
Toxicity for reproduction
No evidence for a reprotoxic or
of practical relevance.
teratogenic potential.
Environmental effects
Based on available data for the substance, hydrogen peroxide is toxic to
aquatic life. The product can be considered as readily biodegradable.
Hydrogen peroxide is a reactive and short-lived polar substance and no
bioaccumulation is expected.
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Environmental effects
Effect Assessment
Result
Aquatic toxicity
Toxic to aquatic life (according to UN-GHS)
Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting
effects
Fate and Behavior
Result
Biodegradation
Readily degradable
Bioaccumulation potential
Not bio accumulative
PBT / vPvB conclusion
Not considered to be PBT or vPvB
Exposure
Human health
Hydrogen peroxide is used in various applications, where exposure may arise
for workers as well as for professionals and consumers.
Systemic availability is considered as negligible due to the rapid degradation
to oxygen and water at the site of first contact.
Workers can be predominantly exposed by inhalation and dermal contact.
Specific operational conditions and risk management measures assure
limited workplace exposure. These practices include handling with good
ventilation. When containers and tanks are cleaned, residues are disposed of
as hazardous waste. All workers are trained in the safety measures of
handling the substance including using personal protective equipment to
exclude local irritant effects.
The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in consumer products is limited to
12%.
Environment
Environmental releases from anthropogenic sources may take place during
production, formulation, processing and consumer use of products. However
any exposure will generally be lower than levels of concern.
Risk management recommendations
Industry use, production and formulation
Hydrogen peroxide, which is manufactured and used in industrial
applications, is usually corrosive or irritant (depends on concentration of
substance). Avoid contact with skin and eyes. When exposure to an irritating
or corrosive product is possible, all personal protective measures (respiratory
protection, hand protection, eye protection, skin and body protection) should
be used. All work is performed by regularly trained personnel. The
requirements for disposal are strictly monitored. Workers should consult the
manufacture’s Safety Data Sheet to obtain specific advice.
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Consumer use
Direct use by consumer may occur with diluted concentrations of hydrogen
peroxide for certain applications.
State agency review
•
REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006;
EU REACH Registration number(s):
01-2119485845-22-0000, 01-2119485845-22-0012,
01-2119485845-22-0016, 01-2119485845-22-0003
•
EU-GHS Regulation (EU) No. 1272/2008
•
OSHA-GHS Regulation (USA) 29 CFR 1910.1200
•
OECD program for substances with large production volumes
•
IPCS International Chemical Safety Card
Regulatory information/classification and labelling
GHS-Labeling
Statutory basis
GHS as per Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
Symbol(s)
≥ 50%
Signal word(s)
≥ 8%
≥ 5%
≥ 8% Danger
< 8% Warning
Hazard statement(s)
H271 - May cause fire or explosion; strong
oxidiser.
H332 - Harmful if inhaled.
H302 - Harmful if swallowed.
H314 - Causes severe skin burns and eye
damage.
H412 - Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting
effects
H401 – Toxic to aquatic life (according to
UN-GHS)
Specific Concentration
Concentration
Classification
Limits
C ≥ 70 %
Ox. Liq. 1; H271
50 % ≤ C < 70 %
Ox. Liq. 2; H272
C ≥ 70 %
Skin Corr. 1A; H314
C ≥ 63 %
Aquatic chronic 3; H412
50 % ≤ C < 70 %
Skin Corr. 1B; H314
35 % ≤ C < 50 %
Skin Irrit. 2; H315
8 % ≤ C < 50 %
Eye Dam. 1; H318
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5%≤C<8%
Eye Irrit. 2; H319
C ≥ 35 %
STOT SE 3; H335
C ≥ 25 %
Aquatic Acute 2; H401
(according to UN-GHS)
Precautionary
Concentration: C ≥ 70 %
statement(s)
P210 - Keep away from heat/sparks/open
flames/hot surfaces. No smoking.
P261 - Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/
vapours/spray.
P371 + P380 + P375 - In case of major fire and
large quantities: Evacuate area. Fight fire
remotely due to the risk of explosion.
P301 + P330 + P331 - IF SWALLOWED: rinse
mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
P303 + P361 + P353 - IF ON SKIN (or hair):
Remove/Take off immediately all
contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with
water/shower.
P305 + P351 + P338 - IF IN EYES: Rinse
cautiously with water for several
minutes. Remove contact lenses, if
present and easy to do. Continue
rinsing.
P304 + P340 - IF INHALED: Remove to fresh air
and keep at rest in a position
comfortable for breathing.
Concentration: 50 % ≤ C < 70 %
P210 - Keep away from heat/sparks/open
flames/hot surfaces. No smoking.
P261 - Avoid breathing
dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P370 + P378 - In case of fire: Use water for
extinction.
P301 + P330 + P331 - IF SWALLOWED: rinse
mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
P303 + P361 + P353 - IF ON SKIN (or hair):
Remove/Take off immediately all
contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with
water/shower.
P304 + P340 - IF INHALED: Remove to fresh air
and keep at rest in a position
comfortable for breathing.
P305 + P351 + P338 - IF IN EYES: Rinse
cautiously with water for several
minutes. Remove contact lenses, if
present and easy to do. Continue
rinsing.
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Concentration: 35 % ≤ C < 50 %
P261 - Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/
vapours/spray.
P280 - Wear protective gloves/protective
clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P301 + P312 - IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON
CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel
unwell.
P302 + P352 - IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of
soap and water.
P305 + P351 + P338 - IF IN EYES: Rinse
cautiously with water for several
minutes. Remove contact lenses, if
present and easy to do. Continue
rinsing.
P304 + P340 - IF INHALED: Remove to fresh air
and keep at rest in a position
comfortable for breathing.
Concentration: 25 % ≤ C < 35 %
P264 - Wash hands thoroughly with soap and
water after handling.
P280 - Wear protective gloves/protective
clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P301 + P312 - IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON
CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel
unwell.
P305 + P351 + P338 - IF IN EYES: Rinse
cautiously with water for several
minutes. Remove contact lenses, if
present and easy to do. Continue
rinsing.
P310 - Immediately call a POISON CENTER or
doctor/physician.
Concentration: 8 % ≤ C < 25 %
P264 - Wash hands thoroughly with soap and
water after handling.
P280 - Wear protective gloves/protective
clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P301 + P312 - IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON
CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel
unwell.
P305 + P351 + P338 - IF IN EYES: Rinse
cautiously with water for several
minutes. Remove contact lenses, if
present and easy to do. Continue
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rinsing.
P310 - Immediately call a POISON CENTER or
doctor/physician.
Concentration: 5 % ≤ C < 8 %
P264 - Wash hands thoroughly with soap and
water after handling.
P280 - Wear protective gloves/protective
clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P305 + P351 + P338 - IF IN EYES: Rinse
cautiously with water for several
minutes. Remove contact lenses, if
present and easy to do. Continue
rinsing.
P337 + P313 - If eye irritation persists:
Get medical advice/attention.
Glossary
Acute toxicity
harmful effects after a single exposure
Biodegradable
breakdown of materials by a physiological environment
Bioaccumulation
accumulation of substances in the environment
Carcinogenicity
effects causing cancer
Chronic toxicity
harmful effects after repeated exposures
GHS
Global Harmonized System on Classification and Labeling
Mutagenicity
effects that change genes
PBT
Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxic
Reprotoxicity
teratogenicity, embryotoxicity and harmful effects on fertility
Sensitizing
allergenic
Teratogenic
effects on foetal morphology
vPvB
very Persistent very Bioaccumulative
Contact information within company
EU
Email address [email protected]
Emergency Telephone number +49 (0)2365 49-2232 (Fire Brigade, Infracor GmbH)
Emergency Telefax number +49 (0)2365 49-4423 (Fire Brigade, Infracor GmbH)
USA
Email address [email protected]
Emergency Telephone number 800 424-9300 (CHEMTREC)
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This GPS Safety Summary is based on Evonik´s present knowledge and experience as of the date of
issue. However, it implies no liability or other legal responsibility on the part of Evonik, including
with regards to existing third party intellectual property rights, especially patent rights. In no event
shall Evonik be responsible for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or
reliance upon the information herein or the chemical to which that information refers. In particular,
no warranty, whether express or implied, or guarantee in the legal sense is intended or implied by
Evonik.
This GPS Safety Summary is only intended to provide general information about the chemical
referred to herein but not any in-depth health and safety information. The information in this GPS
Safety Summary is supplied on the condition that the persons receiving the same will make their
own determination as to its suitability for their purposes prior to use. This GPS Safety Summary
does not supersede or replace required regulatory and/or legal communication documents.
Performance of the chemical described herein should be verified by testing which should be carried
out only by qualified experts.
Evonik reserves the right to make any changes to this GPS Safety Summary in accordance with
technological progress or further developments. Reference to trade names used by other
companies is neither a recommendation, nor does it imply, that similar products could not be used.
March 2015