Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Science/2023 August 15

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August 15

Hydrogen Peroxide Poisoning

I am reaching out in the pursuit of obtaining additional information regarding hydrogen peroxide poisoning. I recall that this information was previously available on the Wikipedia website; however, I am currently unable to locate it.

There was a mention of using bicarbonate for maintaining a buffer, as well as the utilization of calcium as a buffering agent as long as the body would allow it. I'm interested in obtaining the references or sources for those specific comments. Furthermore, there was a reference to a potential remedy that was discussed, and I'm eager to gather more comprehensive information about it. 174.48.109.129 (talk) 19:04, 15 August 2023 (UTC)

I do not see any indication or suggestion in the literature that a buffer or any other substance might be helpful in the management of the effects of hydrogen peroxide ingestion, other than that victims who are conscious and able to swallow should be given 4 to 8 ounces (120 to 240 centilitres) of milk or water.^[1]  --Lambiam 20:53, 15 August 2023 (UTC)

120-240 millilitres, I think you'll find.... I'd be impressed if someone who has just ingested hydrogen peroxide was able to gulp down 2.4 litres of water. (Oh for the love of all that is holy, when will these pointless non-metric units finally die?) Fgf10 (talk) 22:45, 17 August 2023 (UTC)

If anything, a reducing agent would be more useful than a buffer. (Imho and Fwiw) 2601:646:9882:46E0:4579:586D:A5CF:72A3 (talk) 06:00, 16 August 2023 (UTC)

Under basic conditions H₂O₂ is itself a reducing agent, which suggests that making the stomach's pH more neutral might have some mitigating effect. However, I did not see this reflected in the literature.  --Lambiam 08:34, 16 August 2023 (UTC)

Stomach acid is pretty freaking acidic, though. pH = 1.5 to 3.5, at a volume of 20-100 mL. Taking the middle of those ranges (pH = 2.0 and 60 mL) you would need un infeasible amount of base. Indeed, the recommendation to "drink milk" after ingesting poison (a common folk remedy) is basically bullshit. --Jayron32 12:03, 16 August 2023 (UTC)