Conditions To Avoid Contamination To provide some protection against accidental or minute contamination during shipment, storage or handling, low levels of special stabilizers are added to TPL hydrogen peroxide. However, since no additives will prevent decomposition if excessive contamination occurs, the best practice is to prevent contamination through rigorous care in handling and storage. Contamination can cause rapid decomposition. Potential contamination sources include: - Heat - Metals are catalytic to H2O2 decomposition (particularly active are the 1st row transition metals(e.g. Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Mn). - Incompatible Chemicals (e.g. alkalies, reducing agents, organics) - Dust, dirt, etc. Rapid decomposition is exothermic and releases large volumes of oxygen which can overpressurize its container and/or equipment. Confinement Hydrogen Peroxide must not be confined because: An inherent property of H2O2 is slow release of oxygen over time due to normal decomposition.Recommended "routine" venting provisions include: - Breather vents - Pressure relief in piping - Vented valves H2O2 can release upwards of 10 times its volume in gas during rapid decomposition (e.g. caused by contamination) The rate of active oxygen loss in large containers, such as bulk storage tank, is less than 1% per year at normal ambient temperatures. In small containers, such as drums, the rate of loss is less than 2% per year. The larger the ratio of the surface area to the volume of the hydrogen peroxide, the greater the rate of oxygen loss. Ignition Source Hydrogen Peroxide itself is not combustible, but when exposed to excessive heat rate of decomposition rises exponentially. Hence must not be contacted with direct flame directly or indirectly. Recommended storage temperature is below 40 0C to maintain product quality. H2O2 decomposition rate doubles for every 100C increase in temperature Personal Exposure & Safety Rubber gloves and suitable protective clothing should be worn when handling hydrogen peroxide. Concentrated solutions have an irritating effect on the skin, mucous membranes and eyes, and should be washed off immediately with copious quantities of water. Safety goggles should always be worn when handling hydrogen peroxide. If the chemical should come in contact with the eyes, wash them thoroughly with water and seek medical aid promptly. Although 3% hydrogen peroxide solutions are often used as a gargle or a mouth wash, more concentrated solutions should never be allowed to come in contact with the mouth. If hydrogen peroxide is swallowed, give lukewarm water freely and call a physician. Hydrogen peroxide and its decomposition products, oxygen and water are not systemic poisons. However, peroxide vapor can cause irritation and inflammation of the respiratory tract. If inhalation has been prolonged, fresh air should be sought at once and a physician consulted immediately. Clothing must be washed thoroughly with water if it comes incontact hydrogen peroxide; if allowed to dry on the fabric, it may cause fire, particularly if the clothing is soiled. To help instruct a customer's operating personnel, TPL has prepared a Material Safety Data Sheet for hydrogen peroxide, which should be prominently displayed in areas where the chemical is stored, handled and used.