Hydrogen peroxide is a highly effective chemical disinfectant and a highly effective sterilant. It possesses broad-spectrum bactericidal activity, effectively eliminating a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, spores, fungi, and viruses.
Sterilization Principle
Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species: Hydrogen peroxide decomposes under the catalytic effects of photochemistry, ionizing radiation, heavy metals, and transforming metal ions, producing reactive oxygen species and their derivatives, such as OH groups. These chemical groups have a strong antimicrobial effect. They alter the permeability barrier of microorganisms, destroying their proteins, enzymes, amino acids, and nucleic acids, ultimately leading to their death.
Oxidation: Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent that can ionize molecules or atoms within bacterial cells, leading to the scission of lipid chains in the cell wall and destruction of the cell wall.
Enzyme inactivation: Hydrogen peroxide can oxidize enzymes containing SH groups, rendering them inactive, thereby interfering with bacterial metabolism and hindering cell division and reproduction.
DNA damage: After entering microbial cells, hydrogen peroxide produces toxic OH groups, which act on the phosphodiester bonds of DNA, breaking them and damaging the microbial genetic material.
How to Use It？
Air Disinfection: Hydrogen peroxide can be used for indoor air disinfection. When unoccupied, a 1.0%-3.0% hydrogen peroxide disinfectant solution is typically used via aerosol spray at a rate of 10-20 ml/m³ for 60 minutes, followed by ventilation. Alternatively, a 3%-8% hydrogen peroxide disinfectant solution can be used in conjunction with a dry fog or aerosol terminal disinfector. Alternatively, a 30-35% vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilizer can be used for room sterilization. Specific concentrations and durations should be determined according to the product instructions. Please contact us if you would like to purchase VHP or DHP.
General Surface Disinfection: For preventive disinfection of general surfaces, use a 10% hydrogen peroxide solution by wiping, soaking, or spraying the surface for 30 minutes, then rinse with water to remove residual disinfectant. Surfaces contaminated with infectious pathogens should be disinfected with a 3.0% hydrogen peroxide solution by wiping, soaking, or spraying the surface for 30 minutes, then rinse with water.
Skin Wound Disinfection: For skin wounds, use 1.5%-3.0% hydrogen peroxide solution by directly rinsing the wound surface for 3-5 minutes.
High-Level Disinfection of Corrosion-Resistant Medical Devices: For corrosion-resistant medical devices, use a 60% hydrogen peroxide solution by soaking the surface for 120 minutes. After disinfection, rinse with sterile water to remove residual disinfectant.
Important Safety Tips
Corrosiveness and Irritation: Hydrogen peroxide is corrosive and may cause irritation and burns to the eyes, mucous membranes, or skin. If you accidentally come into contact with hydrogen peroxide, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention.
Personal Protective Equipment: When performing disinfection operations, you must wear personal protective equipment such as a mask and gloves to protect yourself.
Leakage Management: If a container breaks or spills, quickly flush the area with lots of water. You can also soak up the spill with sand or another absorbent material. Be sure to take safety precautions.
Flammable and Explosive: High amounts of hydrogen peroxide can catch fire or explode if they’re near flames or get too hot. So, keep it in a cool, dark place at room temperature.
In summary, hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant that works by generating reactive oxygen species, oxidation, enzyme inactivation, and DNA damage. When using hydrogen peroxide, pick the right strength and method for what you’re disinfecting. Always follow safety rules to disinfect well and keep yourself safe. Also, make sure you’re following all the laws about using hydrogen peroxide safely.
