This common compound is a powerful germ-killing disinfectant. Despite its strength, here’s why it’s safe to breathe.
If you’ve ever bleached your hair, whitened your teeth, or used certain kinds of shampoo or hair conditioner, you’ve been up close and personal with hydrogen peroxide. This chemical compound is a common element in many cleaning supplies and lighteners, thanks to its powerful germ-killing nature.
Due to its efficacy at zapping pathogens and contaminants, hydrogen peroxide has recently become one of the newest innovations in air cleansing technology. Did that give you pause? You’re not alone. Despite its strength, hydrogen peroxide is actually safe to breathe.
What is hydrogen peroxide?
Deviating from H2O (water) by just one extra oxygen molecule, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a compound composed of two hydrogen and two oxygen molecules. The additional extra oxygen molecule makes hydrogen peroxide an oxidizer – an agent that creates a chemical reaction, in which it accepts electrons from another substance.
Hydrogen peroxide produces destructive hydroxyl free radicals that neutralize membrane lipids, DNA, and other essential cell components within pollutants, according to the CDC. This ability to destroy the elements that make up the structure of contaminants means that hydrogen peroxide is considered to have robust germicidal, bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal properties.
Which everyday items use hydrogen peroxide?
According to Chemical Safety Facts, the following household products typically contain hydrogen peroxide:
- Hair dyes and bleaches
- Toothpaste and mouthwashes
- Bathroom cleaners
- Laundry stain removers
- First aid antiseptics
As you can see from this list, many of us use hydrogen peroxide-based products in our daily lives. But is there a difference between using products which utilize hydrogen peroxide, and inhaling it?
Hydrogen peroxide safety
There are some limits around use of purifying hydrogen peroxide, despite its very safe nature. According to Healthline, hydrogen peroxide should not be:
- Used directly on skin
- Swallowed or eaten
- Directly inhaled
However, it’s critical to note that it is okay to breathe hydrogen peroxide indirectly. That means you shouldn’t directly inhale it by sticking your nose in a bottle or placing liquid hydrogen peroxide in a nebulizer, inhaler, dehumidifier or vaporizer device.
According to the United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA), the presence of small amounts of hydrogen peroxide in the air is not harmful. OHSA lists up to 1 ppm (part per million) in indoor air as being safe for human exposure.
Hydrogen peroxide air purifying devices release tiny amounts of the compound in order to cleanse the air of contaminants and pollutants. Breathing hydrogen peroxide – specifically the amounts emitted by a hydrogen peroxide air purification system – is perfectly safe.
Poor indoor air that’s contaminated with pathogens and pollutants is linked to a myriad of serious health risks. There’s no question that it’s safer to inhale small amounts of cleansing hydrogen peroxide than the COVID-19 virus, legionella bacteria, or formaldehyde, all of which can remain suspended in the air in an indoor space.
How does a hydrogen peroxide air purifier work?
TADIRAN AIROW adds an additional O (oxygen) molecule to water (H2O) particles already present in the air, transforming them into contaminant-zapping hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The cutting-edge technology breaks O2 into two O atoms, which are combined with the H2O (water) molecules in the air.
The device creates a small but highly effective amount of hydrogen peroxide up to 15 ppb (parts per billion), which is a comfortable 50 times less than the amount widely accepted as safe for human exposure. But this tiny amount packs a powerful punch.
In FDA-cleared lab tests, TADIRAN AIROW has been proven to eliminate viruses, bacteria and mold by up to 99.998%. In other words, a little bit goes a long way for hydrogen peroxide sterilization at home or in the office.
Whether you’re looking for an air cleaner to use in your school, factory, or to keep your loved ones safe at home, this device provides an incredibly effective and safe air purification solution. TADIRAN AIROW is a plug-and-play device, meaning that it can be easily installed into your existing HVAC system.
Want to learn more about how hydrogen peroxide can neutralize airborne pathogens, molds and bacteria? Get in touch with us at Tadiran for more on the best air purifiers to fight contaminants in your space. We’d love to support you in your search..
