Can you mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide?

In this brief guide we are going to answer the question “can you mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide?” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you can mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide. 

Can you mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide?

Yes, mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide offers several advantages due to bicarbonate catalysis of hydrogen peroxide oxidations. 

This combination presents numerous potential benefits compared to other peroxyacids and oxidants, making it applicable in various fields such as organic synthesis, bleaching, and chemical warfare agent decontamination. (1)

For what purposes can a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda be used?

Bicarbonate ion serves as a potent activator for hydrogen peroxide. Researchers have extensively studied the antimicrobial properties of hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate.

When catalase and peroxidase are present, hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen, which exhibits bactericidal effects. However, it’s important to note that this reaction is short-lived, and the effectiveness of the released oxygen diminishes in the presence of organic matter.

The antibacterial effects of salts like sodium bicarbonate are primarily attributed to the osmotic pressure changes induced by hypertonic solutions of these agents. These osmotic pressure changes lead to bacterial cell dehydration, plasmolysis, and eventually, cell death. (2)

What are the uses of hydrogen peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide finds diverse applications, ranging from chemical and biological functions to domestic and therapeutic uses. 

It serves as both an antimicrobial and oxidizing agent. In municipal wastewater treatment, hydrogen peroxide is employed for cost-effective control of hydrogen sulfide in sludge and has replaced prechlorination to manage odors emanating from wastewater and treatment plants. 

Furthermore, it plays a significant role in industrial applications, particularly in pulp and paper bleaching, accounting for nearly 50% of its global production. 

Moreover, hydrogen peroxide is utilized for sulfide oxidation, high-strength wastewater pretreatment, and reducing the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of industrial wastewaters. 

For consumer use, hydrogen peroxide is readily available in the form of a 3 or 6% solution (% water by weight of hydrogen peroxide). (3)

What are the health risks of hydrogen peroxide?

Inhaling high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide vapor or mist can lead to severe irritation and inflammation of the nose and throat in humans. 

Even brief exposure to hydrogen peroxide may cause the eyes to sting and water. Human exposure to levels as low as 7 ppm of hydrogen peroxide has been reported to cause lung irritation.

More substantial exposure to hydrogen peroxide can result in various symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness, tremors, pulmonary edema, convulsions, unconsciousness, and shock.

Ingesting large amounts of hydrogen peroxide can cause stomach and chest pain, motor disorders, and loss of consciousness. Additionally, ingestion may lead to the formation of oxygen bubbles (embolism) in the blood, resulting in shock. (3)

What are the uses of baking soda?

Baking soda can be used for various domains, serving essential roles as a food additive, medicinal aid, and a highly effective cleaning agent.

In addition to its well-known uses, baking soda finds application in diverse domains, including the creation of fireworks, fire extinguishers, fungicides, and pesticides. 

The primary component, sodium bicarbonate, acts as a potent abrasive agent, akin to soap, effectively combating grime and grease, leaving surfaces gleaming and spotless.

Moreover, as a leavening agent for baked goods, baking soda plays a pivotal role in creating light and airy textures in various recipes. When used in baking, it releases gas, causing the batter to expand, resulting in the desired rise and a fluffy consistency in the final product. (4)

What are the health risks of baking soda?

Consuming large quantities of baking soda can give rise to a potentially life-threatening condition called metabolic alkalosis. 

This serious ailment may manifest as muscle spasms, weakness, alterations in mental clarity, and if left unaddressed, it can even lead to irregular heartbeats and prove fatal.

Moreover, due to its high sodium content, excessive intake of baking soda may cause fluid retention and elevated blood pressure. Individuals with alcoholism or compromised kidney function face an even greater risk, as it could potentially lead to heart failure. (4, 5) 

Conclusion 

In this brief guide we answered the question “can you mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide?” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you can mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide. 

Citations

  1. Richardson, D. E., Yao, H., Frank, K. M., & Bennett, D. A. Equilibria, Kinetics, and Mechanism in the Bicarbonate Activation of Hydrogen Peroxide:  Oxidation of Sulfides by Peroxymonocarbonate. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 122(8), 1729–1739. 2000.
  2. Amigoni, N. A., Johnson, G. K., & Kalkwarf, K. L. The use of sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide in periodontal therapy: a review. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 114(2), 217–221. 1987.
  3. Abdollahi, M., & Hosseini, A.  Hydrogen Peroxide. Encyclopedia of Toxicology, 967–970. 2014.
  4. Alice GravesandKate Qualmann. The Science of Baking Soda. ACS Axial 2018.
  5. Jensen S, Skriver S. Self-treatment with baking soda can lead to severe metabolic alkalosis. Ugeskr Laeger. 176(25A):V11120678. Danish. 2014.

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