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Hydrogen Peroxide

More safety information:

Summaries of the safety information for Hydrogen Peroxide have been prepared by the World Health Organization
http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v05je11.htm

as well as the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts174.pdf

The International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that Hydrogen Peroxide was not classifiable as to it’s carcinogenicity in humans.
http://www.inchem.org/documents/iarc/vol71/023-hydrogenper.h...

FDA: Link to Code of Federal Regulations for the GRAS listing for Hydrogen Peroxide
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRS...

FDA: Link to information about the use of Hydrogen Peroxide as an OTC first aid antiseptic
http://www.fda.gov/cder/otcmonographs/Antimicrobial/antimicr...

FDA: Link to information about the use of Hydrogen Peroxide as an OTC wound cleanser for oral mucosal injuries
http://www.fda.gov/cder/otcmonographs/Oral_Wound_Healing/ora...

The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) evaluated the safety of Hydrogen Peroxide in tooth whitening products. The SCCP concluded that use of products containing up to 1% Hydrogen Peroxide was safe. The SCCP also concluded that use of products containing up to 6% Hydrogen Peroxide could be used after consultation and approval of a dentist.
Link to the SCCP opinion:
http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/docs/s...

In the European Union, Hydrogen Peroxide may be used in hair care, skin care, nail harding, and oral hygiene products at maximum concentrations of 12%, 4%, 2% and 0.1%, respectively (See Annex III). Hair care, skin care and nail hardening products containing Hydrogen Peroxide must be labeled: "Contains Hydrogen Peroxide. Avoid contact with eyes. Rinse immediately if product comes in contact with them." Hair products containing Hydrogen Peroxide must recommend that gloves be worn when the product is used.
Link to the EU Cosmetics Directive:
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/sectors/cosmetics/documents/di...

European Commission's Public Health Information on Tooth Whiteners Containing Hydrogen Peroxide
http://ec.europa.eu/health/opinions/en/tooth-whiteners/

More information about hair dyes

More scientific information:

Hydrogen Peroxide was first discovered in 1818. Solutions of Hydrogen Peroxide gradually deteriorate but can usually be stabilized with acetanilide or other similar substances. Agitation or contact with rough surfaces increases the rate of breakdown. Hydrogen Peroxide decomposes into oxygen and water. Small amounts of Hydrogen Peroxide gas occur naturally in the air.

Although it is not flammable, Hydrogen Peroxide is a powerful oxidizing agent and can cause spontaneous combustion if concentrated solutions come into contact with organic material.