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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the environmental impact of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and benzalkonium chloride as disinfectants, particularly in the context of their use during COVID-19 precautions. Participants explore the safety and ecological effects of these substances.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that H2O2 is not harmful to the environment due to its short lifetime in air and water, breaking down into water and oxygen.
  • It is noted that H2O2 is used in large fish facilities and is considered to leave no residue, suggesting low toxicity.
  • However, it is mentioned that while H2O2 can oxidize organic molecules, prolonged or high-level exposure may not be safe.
  • A safety data sheet for benzalkonium chloride indicates some toxicity to aquatic organisms, but it is unclear whether it bioaccumulates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the environmental safety of H2O2, with some asserting its safety and others acknowledging potential risks with prolonged exposure. There is also concern regarding the toxicity of benzalkonium chloride, but uncertainty remains about its bioaccumulation.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of consensus on the long-term environmental effects of both substances and the dependence on specific conditions of use and exposure levels.

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TL;DR
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?
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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