Hydrogen Peroxide Research Paper by Josh Yu Hydrogen peroxide is a liquid with strong oxidizing properties and is mainly used

as a disinfectant and antiseptic in small concentrations. In higher concentrations however, it is considered to be unstable, poisonous if ingested and also corrosive [1]. Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to clean cuts by dipping a piece of cotton into the solution and placing it onto the affected area. This causes a reaction that creates bubbles over the wound and will continue until it finally stops which signifies that the area is clean [1]. Hydrogen peroxide is also used to clean the mouth of germs and whiten teeth when the solution is diluted in the form of toothpastes and mouthwashes [1]. However, one should take caution when rinsing with hydrogen peroxide because it can cause nausea, vomiting, and burns in the mouth or stomach if taken in higher concentrations [2].

Economically, the three largest exporters of hydrogen peroxide in 2010 were the United States of America (11%), Belgium-Luxembourg (11%), and Germany (9%). In total, $621,656,273 worth of hydrogen peroxide was exported to countries all over the world but the three major importers in 2010 were Germany (12%), the United States of America (11%), and Canada (6%) [3]. The pulp and paper industry uses hydrogen peroxide to bleach its products and is the biggest worldwide consumer of this compound. Hydrogen peroxide is mainly used in this industry because it is more environmentally friendly than chlorine based bleaching agents due to its strong oxidizing properties [4].

Continuing on the idea of environmental impacts, hydrogen peroxide is a compound that naturally decomposes into oxygen and water. This chemical property makes hydrogen peroxide a perfect environmentally friendly solution to prevent root rot when plants are overwatered [5]. Root rot is when plants have a lack of oxygen delivered to their roots due to an excess of water in the soil that obstructs the flow of oxygen which promotes bacteria growth [5]. Hydrogen peroxide solves this problem by being watered onto the plant which then allows the compound to decompose and release oxygen into the area around the roots that are filled

with water. This provides the plant with the oxygen it needs to survive until air manages to make its way back to the roots of the overwatered plant [5].

Despite hydrogen peroxides miraculous prevention of root rot, there are some small risks to using hydrogen peroxide. This compound is an example of an oxidizer which is a chemical compound that removes electrons from reactants and transfers oxygen atoms to them in return [6]. As a result, hydrogen peroxide is extremely dangerous when not stored properly around flammable substances because it is able to fuel fires due to its natural decomposition into oxygen and water [7].

In conclusion, hydrogen peroxide is used worldwide and makes many impacts on our society. Economically, it is widely used as a bleaching agent because of its strong oxidizing properties and little harm it does to our environment due to its chemical structure of hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide is also seen in households in small concentrations as toothpastes or as extremely diluted solutions to help clean wounds. However, it is cautioned not to use hydrogen peroxide in large concentrations as it is extremely poisonous if ingested or corrosive if made in contact with skin. All in all, hydrogen peroxide has a very important role in our world and is extremely beneficial to people and industries all across the world.

Works Cited (Part 2: Research Report)

1 Wisegeek. What is hydrogen peroxide? [Internet]. 2012 [cited 2012 October 13]. Available from: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-hydrogen-peroxide.htm. 2 eMEDTV. Side effects of hydrogen peroxide. [Internet]. 2012 [cited 2012 October 14]. Available from: http://skin.emedtv.com/hydrogen-peroxide/hydrogen-peroxide-side-effects.html. 3 Observatory T. Exporters and importers of hydrogen peroxide (2010). [Internet]. 2012 [cited 2012 October 14]. Available from: http://atlas.media.mit.edu/hs4/2847/. 4 Organics H. Hydrogen Peroxide. [Internet]. 2012 [cited 2012 October 14]. Available from: http://www.homesteadorganics.ca/hydrogen_peroxide.aspx. 5 Quickgrow. Hydrogen peroxide horticulture. [Internet]. 2012 [cited 2012 October 14]. Available from: http://www.quickgrow.com/gardening_articles/hydrogen_peroxide_horticulture.html. 6 ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily. [Internet]. 2012 [cited 2012 October 14]. Available from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/o/oxidizing_agent.htm. 7 University OS. Staying on the safe side of oxidizers. [Internet]. 2012 [cited 2012 October 14]. Available from: http://www.ehs.okstate.edu/kopykit/oxidizer.pdf.