How Does Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfect?
Hydrogen peroxide works very well as a disinfectant because of its ability to act as an antimicrobial agent. This means that it is able to quickly kill bacteria. When hydrogen peroxide encounters bacteria, it quickly oxidizes some of the components of the outside of the bacteria. This can not only be toxic to them, but can punch holes in the membrane that the bacteria use to protect and contain themselves. As a result, the bacteria quickly die. The United States Food and Drug Administration considers hydrogen peroxide an approved and safe way to kill bacteria. Advantages and Disadvantages One of the advantages of using hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant is that it is cheap, easy to find and relatively safe. However, like all oxidizing agents, it will cause some damage to the wounded tissue. This can be a benefit, however, as it can help close capillaries and other small blood vessels to slow bleeding. On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide stings. Some people also find the smell to be u
