WARNINGS, EMERGENCY PROCEDURES, SAFETY GUIDELINES Etc.
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS
The FDA has not approved of any medical application or usage of hydrogen peroxide.
PLEASE NOTE: Hydrogen peroxide should NEVER be used for any medical purpose and never ingested or injected into the blood stream unless is it GREATLY reduced. You should NEVER inject hydrogen peroxide in any concentration into your blood stream and doing so will result permanent injury or death. Such direct injection should only be administered by an AMA licensed doctor and then it would be administered in a VERY diluted form. Hydrogen peroxide at any concentration level should NEVER be used for a eye wash, for cleaning ears or as a nasal spray.
There is no established level of safe oral ingesting of hydrogen peroxide, though it has been used in 3% concentration as mouthwash for decades (though not to be swallowed). Any oral consumption of any hydrogen peroxide should only be considered if it is first VERY diluted.
1 drop per 2 ounces of water is a dilution ratio of 1/ 1,800th as there are 300 drops per ounce if 35% is used. This equates to a concentration of approximately 0.02% hydrogen peroxide.
To repeat:
FOOD GRADE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE SHOULD NEVER BEEN USED FOR DIRECT INJECTION INTO THE BLOOD STREAM UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE REGARDLESS OF METHOD OR LEVEL OF CONCENTRATION unless supervised and performed by a licensed medical doctor. Doing so yourself will result in permanent injury or death.
There are serious dangers with the misusage of hydrogen peroxide. It should NOT be used as an eye wash, ear wash or nasal spray. Direct injection into the blood stream is so dangerous that this must ONLY be done by an AMA licensed doctor and they use a HIGHLY diluted mixture of hydrogen peroxide and other substances in a process that takes hours. I have personally received AMA licensed doctor administered injection of H2O2 in the past and can not understate that you must NOT do so yourself. Improper injecting of H2O2 directly into the bloodstream will cause permanent and massive injury or death.
Excessive concentrations of oral (drinking) consumption can cause severe stomach damage and other injury. However, this is true of virtually any substance you would ingest, including virtually all over-the-counter medications and even food. Excessive consumption of food is now the 2nd leading cause of death in the USA.
The articles and statements on all pages of this website and any linked web pages and websites are for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. You should consult with a physician or other health-care professional familiar with nutrition, prevention, and related health issues. Any product or statement on this or any linked web site has not been approved by or has not been evaluated or certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Products are not offered specifically for medical purpose. Always consult your medical practitioner prior to using any substance or product for any medical condition including any product mentioned or offered here. The FDA has not approved the usage of hydrogen peroxide for any medical purpose.
This is presented as safety material, not health or therapy material. We can not give medical advice. There are numerous materials to read and listen to on the topic for you to consider. We can not endorse any health usage due to various regulations and rules.
HIGHER LEVEL USAGE:
Any higher concentration levels of H2O2 internal usage should be approached very gradually. Excessive levels can be extremely harmful and even lethal.
WARNING SIGNS OF EXCESSIVE USAGE:
H2O2 has a distinct taste to it. For some it takes getting used to like anything else new. If there is any stinging sensation in the mouth the level is extremely too high. If there is any internal sense of stinging or stomach pain, drink as much water as possible and seek immediately emergency medical attention. Never induce vomiting as this can cause severe lung tissue damage. Occasionally people who use H2O2 for the first time will report diarrhea. This is not uncommon and should end the same day. Some attribute this to the body flushing out waste materials. Stomach pain, however, is a serious warning sign of excessive concentration and should be taken seriously. If the stomach pain is intense, immediate emergency care is an absolute necessity. If you are gradually increasing levels of H2O2 consumption across a period of time, warning signs that the levels are becoming excess are a sensation of stomach gas or blood shot eyes. You should discontinue usage for a day or two, and then resume at a lower level of concentration.
You need to be aware the FDA has not and does not approve of any medical application or usage of hydrogen peroxide.
PLEASE NOTE: hydrogen peroxide should NEVER be used for any medical purpose and never ingested or injected into the blood stream unless is it GREATLY reduced. You should NEVER inject hydrogen peroxide in any concentration into your blood stream and doing so will result permanent injury or death. Such direct injection should only be administered by an AMA licensed doctor and then it would be administered in a VERY diluted form. Hydrogen peroxide at any concentration level should NEVER be used for a eye wash, for cleaning ears or as a nasal spray. READ MORE BELOW.
WHY USE DISTILLED OR FILTERED WATER?
H2O2 decomposes (releases its extra oxygen molecule) in interaction with organic and certain metallic materials which are found in tap, spring and well water. This causes the H2O2 to release its oxygen prematurely before absorption.
HOW TO STORE H2O2
The most important rule to remember is that undiluted H2O2 is EXTREMELY dangerous to eyes and is fatal if swallowed with still concentrated. Therefore, store H2O2 in a very safe location and NEVER put it undiluted in an unmarked bottle. Though extremely rare, there have been reports of fatality where H2O2 in concentrated form was mistaken for water.
STORE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE PRODUCTS IN THE DARK
H2O2 rapidly decomposes in a photo-reaction to U.V. light. This will cause the H2O2 to weaken in concentration and will cause the bottle to expand and possibly burst. We suggest SLIGHTLY loosening the cap (barely) to allow for any gas build up to bleed off rather than burst the bottle is stored for an extended period. Storing in the dark means total darkness (though the brief refrigerator light when open or while mixing on under kitchen light is OK.)
DO NOT STORE IN FREEZER
There is a false view commonly taken that H2O2 should be stored in the freezer. If H2O2 is frozen at too cold a temperature, it will separate (decompose) as the water and H2O2 freeze at different temperatures. Do not store H2O2 in a freezer.
STORE IN REFRIGERATOR IF POSSIBLE
Small bottles of H2O2 are best stored in a refrigerator as it is cold and dark. However, this is only the case if this is NOT accessible to children or incompetent adults. Otherwise, simply store H2O2 in any cool, dark location. Extra bottles are best stored in their box, the bottle upright, and the top SLIGHTLY loosened.
HOW LONG CAN H2O2 BE STORED?
At temperatures of 70 degrees or lower (but not freezing), H2O2 will decompose at a rate of less than 1/2% per month. Higher temperature will increase decomposition, but it not significantly unless the temperature is well over 80 degrees. Do not store H2O2 near a heat source such as a hot water heater. Given its anti-bacteria and anti-fungus nature, H2O2 will never spoil.
The primary cause of H2O2 losing its potency is prolonged exposure to UV light from any source. It is very important to store H2O2 in the dark.
HOW OLD IS TOO OLD TO BE SAFE TO USE?
H2O2 is an extremely powerful agent against bacteria and fungus. A 10 year old bottle of any 35% food grade H2O2 product would still be safe to use if it had been stored in the dark. The only effect of aging would be that the concentration level of the H2O2 will reduce to almost nothing over time. Hydrogen peroxide never spoils. Rather, it decomposes over time losing its extra oxygen molecule and turning into water with time.
STORAGE
H2o2 should ALWAYS be stored in TOTAL DARKNESS and a cool location. UV light causes H2O2 to decompose.
CAUTION: ALWAYS wear plastic gloves and safety goggles when adding H2O2 to the water as it can splash or spill. You simply add the hydrogen peroxide to the water and no special injection system is necessary.
If you want to ship your H2O2 to someone else:
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SHIPPING H2O2 TO ANOTHER LOCATION
There are many restrictions on shipping H2O2. This is only a summary and specifics may add additional requirements. If you reshipped H2O2 to a friend or another person, you MUST follow these rules. Please note, other rules may prohibit reshipping.
1. H2O2 may NEVER be sent by air mail, any air transportation except for extremely low concentrations in some instances. Ask us first!
2. There is a limit on the level of concentration that can be shipped by any means.
3. We HIGHLY advise that you do not reship if the bottle has been opened and the seal broken.
4. For safety to the carrier, we highly recommend double sealing the bottle in 2 bags one of which is at least 6 mil thick plastic bags.
6. You cannot ship H2O2 of any concentration to any foreign country, Hawaii or Alaska due to restrictions and the strict restriction of no air transportation of H2O2.
7. Do not ship H2O2 to a military base or to a government building.
8. You can not take H2O2 in any concentration on aircraft in personal baggage.
BEFORE SHIPPING OR TRANSPORTING ANY H2O2 product, re-read the above and speak to the shipping company.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Diluting with water is the core to all emergency procedures.
If spilled in concentrated from on your skin:
Even a residual amount of Hydrogen Peroxide will temporarily bleach skin. You will feel a stinging sensation and the area of contact will turn a light yellow or white.
Do not be alarmed. H2O2is not poisonous and the effect is temporary.
You should immediately wash off the area with water. If you do not have water, and water based liquid will work - such as soda pop or milk. You could even use spit if just a small spot.
Usually the skin will return to its normal color within the hour and stinging usually stops in 10 to 15 minutes.
H2O2 is not toxic, so no poisons of any kind have entered the body and there is no long term damage.
Spilled/splashed in eyes:
THIS IS A SEVERE EMERGENCY IN WHICH SECONDS COUNT. Hydrogen peroxide can quickly permanently damage eyes.
If any undiluted H2O2 is splashed in eyes, IMMEDIATELY AND EXTENSIVELY flush the eyes with water. If the person is resistant (such as a child) it is CRITICAL to forcibly flush the eyes with water (this means splash or pour room temperature or cooler water into the eyes.
If water is not available, use any water based liquid safe for eyes - such as soda pop, milk, or juice.
If the eye(s) continue to have a burning sensation, seek immediately medical attention.
SWALLOWING UNDILUTED H2O2:
THIS IS AN IMMEDIATE LIFE THREATENING SITUATION
Like many substances, the amount consumed and concentration of it matters. As example, arsenic is naturally found in foods, well water and the environment.
Trace amounts are not harmful. However, concentrated arsenic is a health destroying and deadly poison in concentrated and in quantity.
The same is true of hydrogen peroxide. It is a substance found in nature and even in your body. However, highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide in quantity is very destructive.
Highly concentrated Hydrogen Peroxide is extremely corrosive to internal organs and can cause permanent and fatal damage. H2O2 is not a toxin, but it is extremely corrosive in high concentration.
THERE IS NO CIRCUMSTANCE WHERE DELIBERATE INTERNAL CONSUMPTION OF A LARGE QUANTITY OF HIGH CONCENTRATION OR UNDILUTED H2O2 WOULD PRODUCE ANY RESULT EXCEPT SERIOUS PERMANENT INJURY OR DEATH UNLESS IMMEDIATELY ADDRESSED. H2O2 MUST BE EXTREMELY DILUTED.
In the event of swallowing undiluted H2O2, do the following IMMEDIATELY:
1. Drink as much water as possible
2. Dial 911 or your other local emergency number.
Stress to emergency personnel answering that this is a life-threatening circumstance.
3. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING
Induced vomit would cause fluids in the stomach to enter into the lungs and the throat. Both the lungs and throat are far more easily and permanently damaged than stomach lining and serious lung damage can be instantly life-threatening or fatal. NEVER induce vomiting.
The level of concentration of hydrogen peroxide is how much water is in it. 35% concentration means that 65% is water. So by drinking water after an accidental drinking of concentrated peroxide, you are diluting it in the stomach. Generally the way to address accidents involving H2O2 is to add as much water to the situation as possible.
EXCESSIVE INTERNAL USAGE
The emergency procedures above are for the accidental swallowing of concentrated Hydrogen Peroxide.
More common inquiries we receive are the effects of using diluted H2O2, but at a higher levels than 1 drop per ounce (there are 600 drops in an ounce of water) that then appears to be causing an unpleasant side effect.
If you have consumed a higher level - but still highly diluted - of H2O2, a common and quickly noticeable effect is a sense of stomach bloating. If you had only used a slightly higher level of concentration (such as 2 or 3 drops per ounce), this may be addressed simply by drinking more water to further dilute it in your stomach.
The sensation of stomach bloating also can occur if you use tap or spring water rather than distilled or filtered water. This is caused by the H2O2 prematurely releasing its oxygen in a gaseous form (thus, stomach gas).
ONLY USE WATER FOR INTERNAL DILUTION
If swallowed in too concentrated a form drink as much water as possible to dilute the strength internally and seek professional emergency care. Water dilutes H2O2. Other sources (such as soda pop and milk) contain organic substances which can interact with the H2O2 causing it to rapidly decompose (release its oxygen).
In instance of swallowing full strength 35% H2O2, any means of any water based liquid should be swallowed to reduce concentration, though water is the preference. This is an immediate life threatening circumstance and you must immediately seek professional medical care.
To address a sensation of minor bloating, drink only water.
THERE IS NO GOOD OCCASION WHERE H2O2 WILL CAUSE SERIOUS DISCOMFORT.
Initial diarrhea (short term) or a temporary sense of bloating is not that rare for first-time users (though most do not experience such effect). Diarrhea and bloating can be caused by slight gas build up from the H2O2, which is not harmful and might be beneficial. However, there should be no significant pain involved with any H2O2usage.
If you experience significant internal pain after using H2O2 internally and the pain is apparently from the H2O2usage, this can be a VERY serious matter calling for you to seek immediately emergency medical attention - meaning calling for an ambulance now.
AIRBORNE H2O2 DANGERS
Generally for personal usage levels and quantities there is no airborne dangers of H2O2. H2O2 is not poisonous or toxic.
However, if you use large amounts in an enclosed area (such as for furniture stripping etc.,) you need to have fresh air circulating. A HIGH level of H2O2 vapors can create a corrosive effect, which you would first notice as a burning sensation in your nose. If this occurs, simply go to an fresh air area and use a fan to blow out the air in the room. Again, H2O2 is not poisonous or toxic.
The WARNING SIGN for an excessive build up of H2O2 fumes is a stinging sensation in your nose.
NEVER USE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE IN ANY CONCENTRATION FOR ANY DIRECT INJECTION INTO THE BLOOD STREAM, AS A NASAL OR EAR SPRAY OR AS AN EYE WASH. Doing so will cause permanent injury or death. Only an AMA licensed doctor is qualified for any H2O2 injection into the blood stream. As strongly as this author personally believes in health benefits of H2O2, the author also ONLY has used H2O2injections when both prepared and administered by an AMA licensed doctor.