H2O2 Limitations

Hydrogen peroxide is not a good antiseptic for cleaning open surface wounds because it is quickly broken down to water and gaseous oxygen by catalase (an enzyme present in human cells). However, hydrogen peroxide is effectively used to disinfect inanimate objects such as needles, tables, etc. Where hydrogen peroxide is effective is in cavities of the human bodies such as the mouth. A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water (50-50) will kill most harmful bacteria in the mouth. Hydrogen peroxide is also effective against the oxygen-sensitive anaerobes found in deep wounds.

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