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Yes, and it's also corrosive and would do a lot of damage to the esophagus.

Another opinion:While the above may be true for high concentration hydrogen peroxide, it bears noting the antiseptic one buys at the pharmacy is a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and water. At this concentration, it's comparatively harmless, and it would take a huge dose to do any serious harm. In fact, I've seen hydrogen peroxide 3% prescribed as an oral mouthwash-antiseptic. And it would take an amazing amount to reach acute toxicity.

That said, it's probably not a good idea to swallow the stuff. So, in answer to the question, small amounts of hydrogen peroxide can be consumed without significant harm (although -- once more -- this is not a good idea).

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12y ago
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4mo ago

Hydrogen peroxide can be harmful if ingested, as it can cause irritation and damage to the digestive system. It can also be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system if not handled properly. In high concentrations, hydrogen peroxide can cause burns and tissue damage.

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14y ago

ITS NOT if you mix it with water

well... pure hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer. if ingested i would imagine it would have much the same result as bleach on your insides.. such as liquefaction. but the 3% mix off the shelves at the store im not sure is so harmful. still i wouldn't try drinking it.

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15y ago

Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizing agent. However, humans have a mechanism for coping with it, in the form of an enzyme known as peroxidase. The bubbling you see when you pour hydrogen peroxide into a cut is from the peroxidase breaking down the hydrogen peroxide and releasing oxygen gas.

Most single-celled organisms do not have this enzyme, which is why hydrogen peroxide is so deadly to them.

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13y ago

It can oxidize the components of the cell and the membranes etc thus causing damage.

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14y ago

It is an oxidizer that can break down needed molecules in the body and damage cells.

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7y ago

Ordinary water (H2O) does NOT contain hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

Hydrogen peroxide would have had to have been added by someone for it to be in water!

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13y ago

In concentrated form it is a powerful oxidizer. By definition it can oxidise skin, nerve endings, eye membranes etc.

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8y ago

Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizing agent and can be dangerous for skin and eyes.

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Q: How is hydrogen peroxide harmful?
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What enzyme acts on hydrogen peroxide in living organisms?

The enzyme catalase acts on hydrogen peroxide in living organisms to break it down into water and oxygen. This reaction helps to detoxify the harmful effects of hydrogen peroxide in cells.


Is hydrogen peroxide harmful to the eyes?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide can be harmful to the eyes if not used properly. It is a strong oxidizing agent that can cause irritation, burning, and potentially serious damage to the eyes if it comes into direct contact. It is important to follow instructions carefully when using hydrogen peroxide-based products for eye care.


Does the human liver break down more hydrogen peroxide in the summer or winter?

The liver breaks down hydrogen peroxide consistently throughout the year, regardless of the season. The enzyme catalase in the liver helps convert hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, a process that occurs continuously to prevent the accumulation of harmful hydrogen peroxide in the body.


Why does Hydrogen peroxide need to be broken down?

Hydrogen peroxide needs to be broken down because it is a reactive compound that can be harmful to cells and tissues. Breaking it down into water and oxygen helps to reduce its potential for causing damage.


Is swallowing hydrogen peroxide safe?

Hydrogen peroxide can be diluted with water and used as a gargle but should never be swallowed. In the event you do swallow concentrated hydrogen peroxide, drink water and DO NOTattempt to vomit. Contact your physician should you begin to feel ill.

Related questions

What are the products in hydrogen peroxide when it is broken down by catalase?

Hydrogen peroxide is broken down by catalase into water and oxygen gas. This reaction helps to decompose hydrogen peroxide, a harmful byproduct of metabolic processes, into less harmful substances.


What cell and what enzyme break down hydrogen peroxide?

Peroxisomes contain the enzyme catalase, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. This reaction helps prevent the accumulation of harmful hydrogen peroxide in the cell.


When you add catalase to hydrogen peroxide what happens?

Catalase is an enzyme that catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen gas. This reaction helps to break down harmful hydrogen peroxide into harmless water and oxygen.


What chemical reaction degrades hydrogen peroxide in the presence of catalase?

Catalase catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen gas. The reaction involves the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen molecules, thereby neutralizing its harmful effects.


What enzyme acts on hydrogen peroxide in living organisms?

The enzyme catalase acts on hydrogen peroxide in living organisms to break it down into water and oxygen. This reaction helps to detoxify the harmful effects of hydrogen peroxide in cells.


Is Hydrogen Peroxide Harmful if ingested?

Yes, ingesting hydrogen peroxide can be harmful. It can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Consuming high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can be corrosive and cause more severe damage. It is important to seek medical attention if ingestion occurs.


Is peroxide gas harmful to breath?

Inhaling hydrogen peroxide gas can be harmful as it can irritate the respiratory tract and cause symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation. It is important to handle and use hydrogen peroxide in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the gas.


Is hydrogen peroxide harmful to the eyes?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide can be harmful to the eyes if not used properly. It is a strong oxidizing agent that can cause irritation, burning, and potentially serious damage to the eyes if it comes into direct contact. It is important to follow instructions carefully when using hydrogen peroxide-based products for eye care.


What if you accidentally swallowed a solution of 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide with 3 tablespoon water will that be harmful?

no


Why doesn't hydrogen peroxide kill human cells?

Hydrogen peroxide can damage human cells by creating oxidative stress, but our cells have enzymes like catalase that help break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, minimizing its harmful effects. Additionally, human cells have mechanisms to repair the damage caused by hydrogen peroxide.


Does the human liver break down more hydrogen peroxide in the summer or winter?

The liver breaks down hydrogen peroxide consistently throughout the year, regardless of the season. The enzyme catalase in the liver helps convert hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, a process that occurs continuously to prevent the accumulation of harmful hydrogen peroxide in the body.


Why does Hydrogen peroxide need to be broken down?

Hydrogen peroxide needs to be broken down because it is a reactive compound that can be harmful to cells and tissues. Breaking it down into water and oxygen helps to reduce its potential for causing damage.