Does ##H_2 O_2## or benzalkonium chloride pollute the environment?

  • Thread starter Wrichik Basu
  • Start date
In summary: Bioaccumulation is when toxins build up in the body over time. Choice #2 is not safe for the environment, and it is written on the bottle that it has long-lasting adverse effects on aquatic life.
  • #1
Wrichik Basu
Science Advisor
Insights Author
Gold Member
2,116
2,691
TL;DR Summary
Does hydrogen peroxide or benzalkonium chloride pollute the environment, or are they bad for aquatic life?
We have to go to a hospital quite a lot these days, and that hospital offers treatment for COVID-19. We have to take additional precautions due to this reason. In addition to washing our hands/keeping them sanitised, we also need to disinfect our clothes properly after every visit.

Till date, we have used the usual antiseptic liquid (which contains chloroxylenol) to disinfect our clothes. However, I decided to buy a laundry disinfectant instead. I had two choices on Amazon.in: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0835LLD8G/?tag=pfamazon01-20 and https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0874ZBZWV/?tag=pfamazon01-20.

One person https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/R2B0VJU51D/?tag=pfamazon01-20 in the Reviews section that choice #1 is not safe for the environment, and it is written on the bottle that it has long-lasting adverse effects on aquatic life. So I do not want to buy this one.

Choice #2 contains benzalkonium chloride and hydrogen peroxide as active ingredients. Is anyone of these two harmful for the environment?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
I don't think H2O2 is bad for the environment. It has a very short lifetime in the air and water, going to water and oxygen.
 
  • Like
Likes BillTre and Wrichik Basu
  • #3
Chestermiller said:
I don't think H2O2 is bad for the environment. It has a very short lifetime in the air and water, going to water and oxygen.
Yes.
It is one a small set of disinfectants used in large fish facilities.
It is probably the best with respect to going away rapidly and leaving no residue (forms 02 and H2O). Thus little toxicity.
I the short term it will oxydize organic molecules it come in contact with (which is how it kills things).
Direct exposure at low levels is used for treating some fish infestations.
Prolonged or higher exposures would not be good.
 
  • Like
Likes Wrichik Basu

1. Does ##H_2 O_2## pollute the environment?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide (##H_2 O_2##) can pollute the environment if it is not disposed of properly. When released into water sources, it can cause oxygen depletion and harm aquatic life. It can also contribute to air pollution when released into the atmosphere.

2. Does benzalkonium chloride pollute the environment?

Yes, benzalkonium chloride can pollute the environment if it is not disposed of properly. It is toxic to aquatic life and can also contribute to air pollution when released into the atmosphere. It is important to use this chemical cautiously and dispose of it according to regulations.

3. How does ##H_2 O_2## pollute the environment?

Hydrogen peroxide can pollute the environment through its effects on water and air. When released into water sources, it can cause oxygen depletion and harm aquatic life. It can also contribute to air pollution when released into the atmosphere, as it can react with other chemicals and form harmful byproducts.

4. How does benzalkonium chloride pollute the environment?

Benzalkonium chloride pollutes the environment through its toxic effects on aquatic life and contribution to air pollution. It can also have negative impacts on soil and plants if not disposed of properly. It is important to use this chemical responsibly and dispose of it according to regulations.

5. What are the environmental risks of using ##H_2 O_2## or benzalkonium chloride?

The environmental risks of using ##H_2 O_2## or benzalkonium chloride include pollution of water, air, and soil. These chemicals can harm aquatic life and contribute to air pollution, and can also have negative impacts on plants and soil. It is important to use these chemicals responsibly and dispose of them properly to minimize their environmental impact.

Similar threads

How to prevent damage to my LAN card due to lightning?
    • Computing and Technology
Replies
15
Views
2K
Prob/Stats The Causal Revolution and Why You Should Study It
    • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
6
Views
2K
MHB The Causal Revolution and Why You Should Study It
    • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
1
Views
1K
Car scratch repair pen - worth buying?
    • General Discussion
Replies
2
Views
992
Why is the newer edition of this book cheaper than the old?
    • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
1
Views
2K
Book Review: The Gene's-Eye View of Evolution
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
1K
A Why do we use BRST in Yang Mills and where does it come from?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Sticky
Other Collection of Free Online Physics Books and Lecture Notes (Part 2)
    • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
27
Views
3K
Is C the Best Language for Beginners and Which Book Should I Buy?
    • Programming and Computer Science
Replies
28
Views
4K
Books to Buy for Mathematical Maturity in Theory and Proofs
    • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
5
Views
6K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top