Hi List-- Regarding Hydrogen Peroxide (H-O-O-H): Larry Fisher wrote: > > I found mine at a scientific supply house. They sell microscopes, chemical > compounds >SNIP It is available at the local Co-op Farm and Garden Supply here, as food-grade hydrogen peroxide at, I believe, 35%. Not expensive. Used for oxygenating the soil of house and nursery plants. (diluted!). I have used it for bleaching ivory and with some success for reducing those black stains from watermarks in oak. > When this stuff hits your skin you don't feel it > since it doesn't evaporate like alcohol or water leaving you with that > cooling sensation. Instead, it turns your skin white a few minutes later, > and then after a few more minutes you start to notice you can count the > number of nerve endings it manages to reach. This process continues for the > next few hours until the affected area dilutes it's effects. You body > regenerates the skin in a matter of a few days to weeks depending on the > size of the affected area. > SNIP It is a very effective bleaching agent because it is a strong oxidant. It is a strong oxidant because it rapidly decomposes to free-radical oxygen and water. The extra oxygen molecule would rather be attached to just about anything else than to those other three atoms, which really want nothing more than to be about the most stable compound in the world--water. In order for the free-radical oxygen to attach to you, it needs to break the bonds that are holding your skin, cornea, or other integument together. It is very good at this. You should not only wear gloves, but eye protection as well. Corneas are not nearly as good at repairing themselves as skin is. There is also a high risk of spontaneous combustion of oxidizable materials (cotton rags, q-tips, paper towels, clothing) if the concentrated material is left to dry on them. The Merck Index advises: In case of contact, immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; for eyes, get medical attention. Avoid contamination from any source, including metals, dust, etc. Such contamination may cause rapid decomposition, generating large quantities of oxygen gas and high pressures. Store in original closed container. Be sure that the container vent is working satisfactorily. Do not add any other product to container. When empty, rinse thoroughly with clean water. I also would not keep it in the same cupboard with my organic solvents. Tim Keenan Terrace, BC
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC