Hydrogen peroxide is a light blue liquid that appears colorless when mixed with water (aqueous solution). This post will tell you some of the more common uses of hydrogen peroxide in today’s world.
Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide
- Most hydrogen peroxide is used for bleaching, mainly pulp and paper bleaching.
- Hydrogen peroxide is used to make sodium percarbonate and sodium perborate. These two substances are used as bleaches in laundry detergents.
- Nuclear reactors use hydrogen peroxide during plant shutdown. It dissolves activated corrosion products left on the uranium fuel.
- Propylene oxide can be made from hydrogen peroxide. This is an environmentally friendly process as it only produces water as a by-product. Propylene oxide is then used to make plastics.
- Bombardier beetles use hydrogen peroxide and another chemical to defend against predators.
- Hydrogen peroxide is believed to play an important part in the immune system of fish and humans. It is thought that hydrogen peroxide is released after the tissues become damaged. This signals white blood cells to come and begin the healing process.
- Hydrogen peroxide (that has been diluted in water) is used with ammonium hydroxide to bleach hair.
- Diluted hydrogen peroxide is also used to clean wounds and remove dead tissue.
- Small amounts can be given to dogs after they swallow harmful substances (such as poison) to make them vomit.
- Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and hand soap can be combined to make a substance capable of removing skunk odor.
- Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and salt can be combined to make toothpaste.