Hydrogen Peroxide - Missouri Poison Center

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Low Risk

Also known as:

bleaching agent color-safe bleach ear wax removal hair lightener non-chlorine bleach peroxide tooth whitener

person scrubbing floor with hydrogen peroxide

Possible Symptoms

  • Minor irritation and temporary whitening of exposed skin
  • stomach upset and bloating
  • nausea and vomiting
  • eye irritation

What to Do

  1. Wipe or rinse out the mouth.
  2. Give a serving size of water to drink.
  3. Rinse any exposed skin with lukewarm water.
  4. Call 1-800-222-1222 for additional instructions.
If Exposed to Eyes
  1. Start rinsing eye(s) with lukewarm water.
  2. Call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for further recommendations.

Any exposure to “food grade” hydrogen peroxide (35%) or to industrial-grade hydrogen peroxide is a potential medical emergency that requires calling the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Additional Information

Quick Facts about Hydrogen Peroxide:

This substance comes in different strengths and has many uses.  Most calls to the poison center involve hydrogen peroxide 3% in the familiar brown bottle. Many people use it as a topical antiseptic for minor wounds.  Hydrogen peroxide with a strength of up to 10% is used as a “whitening” agent in tooth whiteners, hair bleach, and color-safe laundry bleach.  Ear wax removal drops come in the form of carbamide peroxide (typically 6.5%).

This information pertains only to inadvertent exposures to hydrogen peroxide less than 10%. Strengths higher than 10% can cause greater symptoms.

Accidentally swallowing this substance can cause bloating of the stomach, belching, mouth and throat irritation, and vomiting.  Prolonged skin contact can cause irritation or a tingling sensation. Sometimes, there can be a bleaching or whitening of the exposed skin, which returns to normal within a few hours if it has been washed off immediately. However, any hair in the area may remain permanently bleached.

Eye exposure

Getting hydrogen peroxide in the eye typically causes immediate pain and irritation, but if there is a prompt rinsing of the eye, severe injury is rare.  Some contact lens disinfectant solutions contain hydrogen peroxide (3% or less) and may be mistaken for eye drops or regular multipurpose contact solution.

If you find your child has gotten into this substance, do not panic. Take it away from them, wipe out the mouth with a soft, wet cloth and give them some water or milk to drink. If someone has gotten it in the eye or if problems start and you have questions, call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. The poison center is open all day, every day for poisoning emergencies and questions.

SPECIAL NOTE:  Any exposure to “food grade” (35%) or to industrial grade hydrogen peroxide is a potential medical emergency which requires calling the Missouri Poison Center right away!

**Note: Don’t forget, every case is different. To make sure you are getting the best information for your individual situation, click below to call or chat. It is fast, free, and confidential.

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