Hydrogen peroxide is made up of oxygen and hydrogen atoms. It decomposes into water and oxygen without leaving any residue, and is a powerful oxidising agent. This means it can be harmful at higher concentrations or in greater quantities. At low doses or appropriately diluted, it is immediately neutralised by the catalase and peroxidase enzymes produced by our bodies, which break it down into water and oxygen.
Hydrogen peroxide solutions are used in the healthcare sector for direct disinfection on or in people, e.g. disinfecting the mouth or throat, bladder irrigation, dental cervix treatments, ear irrigation, etc. It is also used as a preservative and disinfectant in a variety of face creams.
At concentrations in excess of 1.5% (30,000 ppm Sanosil) hydrogen peroxide can cause skin irritation. Personal protective equipment is therefore used when applying stronger solutions.