Spills of industrial-strength peroxide in transit have resulted in freeway and rail line closures, because at such concentrations hydrogen peroxide presents an imminent danger of fire and explosion, and inhalation of its fumes can send people to the hospital. Hydrogen peroxide in these strengths is dangerous for the untrained to handle or come into contact with.
Higher concentrations (30% or greater) of hydrogen peroxide are used in industry as a bleach for textiles and paper, as a component of rocket fuels, and for producing foam rubber and organic chemicals. A paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda is used as a tooth scrub, and hydrogen peroxide is the major component of any number of tooth-whitening products. Hydrogen peroxide also finds application as an antiseptic gargle, a clothes and hair bleach, and an aid to ear wax removal. Bottles of it are readily available at drug stores, with the compound formulated for home use vended in dilute form of 3% to 10%. Hydrogen peroxide is a first aid staple in many households, routinely used to disinfect small wounds.
