Hydrogen peroxide poisoning
Hydrogen peroxide, or hydrogen peroxide, is a substance similar in chemical structure to water molecules, differing from them by only one additional oxygen atom. This difference gives hydrogen peroxide special properties.
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In low concentrations, hydrogen peroxide is a powerful antiseptic.
In industry, concentrated solutions of hydrogen peroxide (perhydrol) are used, which have a pronounced bleaching and oxidative effect. They are used in the manufacture of paper, textiles, porous materials, bleaches and disinfectants, and as propellants.
Previously, perhydrol was widely used in everyday life, for example, as a bleach and to lighten hair.
Various kinds of healers promote the "treatment" of hydrogen peroxide for a variety of diseases - from colds to cancer, and the substance is prescribed to be taken orally. This cannot but cause alarm among physicians, since hydrogen peroxide not only does not possess the miraculous properties attributed to it, but is toxic when ingested.
How does hydrogen peroxide poisoning occur?
Poisoning with hydrogen peroxide occurs as a result of inhalation of perhydrol vapor, as well as when ingested, and not only in a concentrated solution, but also diluted, with a concentration of no more than 6–9%.
When the vapors of a concentrated solution of hydrogen peroxide are inhaled, there is a sharp irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, which is accompanied by their edema and inflammation, as a result of which breathing disorders develop.
The most dangerous intoxication caused by the ingestion of hydrogen peroxide inside, which causes burns of the mucous membrane of the mouth, esophagus, stomach with the appearance of erosions and ulcers. The oxygen bubbles formed as a result of the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide can penetrate the blood vessels through damaged integuments, causing gas embolism - a condition when a gas bubble blocks a vessel, causing acute circulatory disorders. Embolism is very dangerous and can cause damage that is incompatible with life.
Contact with perhydrol on the skin causes a chemical burn.
Poisoning symptoms
When the skin comes into contact with concentrated hydrogen peroxide, an area of redness appears, which then turns sharply white, then a blister forms in its place. This process is accompanied by a burning sensation.
When hydrogen peroxide vapor is inhaled, the victim develops a sore throat, dry cough, shortness of breath, and a metallic taste appears in the mouth. Due to edema of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, their obstruction may occur, up to complete mechanical asphyxia and respiratory arrest.
In case of poisoning with concentrated hydrogen peroxide taken orally, the victim has:
- sharp pain and burning sensation in the oropharynx;
- pain along the esophagus and in the stomach, which is significantly increased with swallowing movements;
- nausea and vomiting;
- suffocation;
- a keen sense of fear of death.
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Due to the penetration of oxygen bubbles into the bloodstream and their blockage of the blood vessels of the heart, lungs and kidneys, paroxysmal pain can be felt in the area of the projection of these organs.
In case of poisoning with a hydrogen peroxide solution with a concentration of more than 30%, the pain can be so intense that painful shock develops, leading to loss of consciousness and the development of coma.
First aid for hydrogen peroxide poisoning
If a concentrated solution of hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with the skin, the affected area should be rinsed abundantly with cool running water. It should not be rubbed to avoid exacerbating the damage.
In case of inhalation poisoning with hydrogen peroxide, the victim is evacuated to fresh air.
When taking hydrogen peroxide inside, first aid is aimed at reducing the concentration of the poison taken, thereby reducing its irritant effect on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. For this, the victim is given clean cool water to drink. Inducing vomiting in this situation should not be, as this can increase the severity of burns to the esophagus and pharynx.
If the victim is unconscious, he should be placed on his side. This will prevent tongue retraction, which can cause mechanical asphyxia, as well as aspiration of vomit.
In case of respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest, resuscitation should be carried out before the arrival of doctors, including chest compressions and artificial respiration from the mouth to mouth.
When is medical attention needed?
Burns of the skin with hydrogen peroxide of a small area do not require medical intervention. In all other cases, you must immediately call the ambulance team.
Victims with severe chemical burns of the skin and mucous membranes are hospitalized in a surgical hospital, where they are treated according to the generally accepted rules for managing burn wounds. In other cases, hospitalization is carried out in the toxicology department.
In case of poisoning with hydrogen peroxide vapors, measures are taken to eliminate respiratory dysfunctions, if necessary, inhalations with humidified oxygen are carried out. With severe laryngeal edema, tracheal intubation or tracheostomy may be required, followed by transfer of the patient to mechanical ventilation.
When hydrogen peroxide is taken internally in a hospital, gastric lavage is performed through a thick probe.
To relieve pain, narcotic (Morphine hydrochloride, Promedol, Omnopon) or non-narcotic (Ketonal, Baralgin, Spazmalgon) drugs are prescribed. For the prevention of secondary bacterial complications, preventive therapy with broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs is required.
Possible consequences
Complications of hydrogen peroxide poisoning can be:
- pneumonia;
- gastrointestinal bleeding;
- gas embolism;
- strictures of the esophagus.
Prevention
To prevent industrial poisoning with hydrogen peroxide, you must carefully observe safety precautions. Workers must use personal protective equipment (respirators, gloves, boots, special suits).
Store hydrogen peroxide at home out of the reach of children in tight-fitting dark glass bottles. They must be marked "Hydrogen peroxide" indicating the concentration of the solution.
To prevent domestic poisoning with hydrogen peroxide, active sanitary and educational work with the population should be carried out, explaining how dangerous "treatment" with this substance can be.
Elena Minkina Doctor anesthesiologist-resuscitator About the author
Education: graduated from the Tashkent State Medical Institute, specializing in general medicine in 1991. Repeatedly passed refresher courses.
Work experience: anesthesiologist-resuscitator of the city maternity complex, resuscitator of the hemodialysis department.
The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
