Hydrogen Peroxide and Rubbing Alcohol Difference
On the difference between hydrogen peroxide and medical alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide and medical alcohol are both common disinfection products in daily life, but the difference between the two is significant and cannot be ignored.
The first ingredient, hydrogen peroxide, has a chemical formula of\ (H 2O 2O\), which is a strong oxidizing agent. Medical alcohol, mostly ethanol as the main component, common concentrations are\ (75\%\), etc. Ethanol is an organic compound.
Furthermore, the disinfection principle is very different. Hydrogen peroxide is easy to decompose into new ecological oxygen when exposed to organic matter, heat or alkaline environment. This oxygen has strong oxidizing power and can denature bacterial proteins, thereby killing bacteria. Medical alcohol relies on the osmotic effect of ethanol, which can penetrate into bacteria, coagulate proteins, and cause bacteria to lose their activity, so as to achieve the purpose of disinfection.
The scope of application of the two is also different. Hydrogen peroxide is suitable for deep wounds and heavy pollution, and can effectively kill anaerobic bacteria, such as tetanus bacteria. Because its decomposition products are water and oxygen, it is less irritating to the environment and tissues. However, if the wound is shallow and superficial, it may irritate normal tissues. Medical alcohol is often used for disinfection of complete skin surfaces, which can quickly kill common bacteria and viruses. However, because of its high irritation to mucous membranes, it cannot be used for disinfection of mucous membranes and ruptured wounds.
In addition, in terms of stability, hydrogen peroxide is not stable, and light and high temperature are easy to cause its decomposition, so it needs to be protected from light and stored at low temperature. Although medical alcohol is relatively stable, it is flammable, and it should be kept away from fire sources when stored and used.
To sum up, it is of great significance to know the difference between hydrogen peroxide and medical alcohol in the correct selection and use of disinfectant products to ensure health and safety. For daily use, it must be selected reasonably according to actual needs, items, and wound conditions, and must not be confused.
Hydrogen peroxide and medical alcohol are both common disinfection products in daily life, but the difference between the two is significant and cannot be ignored.
The first ingredient, hydrogen peroxide, has a chemical formula of\ (H 2O 2O\), which is a strong oxidizing agent. Medical alcohol, mostly ethanol as the main component, common concentrations are\ (75\%\), etc. Ethanol is an organic compound.
Furthermore, the disinfection principle is very different. Hydrogen peroxide is easy to decompose into new ecological oxygen when exposed to organic matter, heat or alkaline environment. This oxygen has strong oxidizing power and can denature bacterial proteins, thereby killing bacteria. Medical alcohol relies on the osmotic effect of ethanol, which can penetrate into bacteria, coagulate proteins, and cause bacteria to lose their activity, so as to achieve the purpose of disinfection.
The scope of application of the two is also different. Hydrogen peroxide is suitable for deep wounds and heavy pollution, and can effectively kill anaerobic bacteria, such as tetanus bacteria. Because its decomposition products are water and oxygen, it is less irritating to the environment and tissues. However, if the wound is shallow and superficial, it may irritate normal tissues. Medical alcohol is often used for disinfection of complete skin surfaces, which can quickly kill common bacteria and viruses. However, because of its high irritation to mucous membranes, it cannot be used for disinfection of mucous membranes and ruptured wounds.
In addition, in terms of stability, hydrogen peroxide is not stable, and light and high temperature are easy to cause its decomposition, so it needs to be protected from light and stored at low temperature. Although medical alcohol is relatively stable, it is flammable, and it should be kept away from fire sources when stored and used.
To sum up, it is of great significance to know the difference between hydrogen peroxide and medical alcohol in the correct selection and use of disinfectant products to ensure health and safety. For daily use, it must be selected reasonably according to actual needs, items, and wound conditions, and must not be confused.

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