Hydrogen Peroxide, All Grades

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Corrosive! Toxic effects are principally related to its corrosive properties. Solutions and mists with a pH of 3 or less are a significant health concern. Toxic effects may be delayed. May be fatal if swallowed. Causes severe skin and eye burns. Mists or sprays are extremely irritating to eyes and respiratory tract. See "Other Health Effects" Section. Strong oxidizer. Do not store indoors on wooden pallets or near combustible materials (eg. wood, paper and organic materials such as solvents and carbon based chemicals). Contact with other combustible material can cause fire. Can decompose at high temperatures forming toxic gases. Drying on clothing or other combustible material may cause fire. Contents may develop pressure on prolonged exposure to heat. Highly reactive.

Potential health effects

Inhalation: Corrosive! Product may cause severe irritation of the nose, throat and respiratory tract. Repeated and/or prolonged exposures may cause productive cough, running nose, bronchopneumonia, pulmonary edema (fluid build-up in lungs), and reduction of pulmonary function. Toxic effects may be delayed. See "Other Section Skin Contact: Corrosive! Concentrated solutions may cause pain and deep and severe burns to the skin. Prolonged and repeated exposure to dilute solutions often causes irritation, redness, pain and drying and cracking of the skin. Burns (chemical) can occur if not promptly removed. Avoid handling when the skin is moist, wet or abraded. Skin Absorption: Corrosive! Skin absorption is a secondary concern to the continual destruction of tissue while the product is in contact with the skin. Eye Contact: Extremely corrosive! This product causes corneal scarring and clouding. Glaucoma, cataracts and permanent blindness may occur. Contact can cause eye burns. Ingestion: Corrosive! This product causes severe burning and pain in the mouth, throat and abdomen. Vomiting, diarrhea and perforation of the esophagus and stomach lining may occur.

Other Health Effects

Corrosive effects on the skin and eyes may be delayed, and damage may occur without the sensation or onset of pain. Strict adherence to first aid measures following any exposure is essential. May cause cyanosis, gastrointestinal bleeding, pulmonary edema, bronchopneumonia and central nervous system (CNS) depression. Cyanosis is characterized by navy blue, almost black lips, tongue, and mucous membranes, with skin colour being slate gray. Further manifestation is characterized by headache, weakness, dyspnea, dizziness, stupor, respiratory distress and death due to anoxia. Pulmonary edema is the build-up of fluid in the lungs that might be fatal. Symptoms of pulmonary edema, such as shortness of breath, may not appear until several hours after exposure and are aggravated by physical exertion. (4) CNS depression is characterized by headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and incoordination. Severe overexposures may lead to coma and possible death due to respiratory failure.