Hydrogen peroxide

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) of hydrogen peroxide [7722‐84‐1] as new inhalation studies are available. Hydrogen peroxide is an irritant to the respiratory tract and the eyes. In a 90‐day inhalation study in the rat a NOAEC of 7 ml/m3 was determined, which confirms the previous 28‐day inhalation study and proves that the effects at the respiratory tract do not increase with exposure duration. A new study of acute effects in volunteers suggests that hydrogen peroxide is slightly irritating at 2.2 ml/m3, but not at 0.5 ml/m3. These findings support all previously described results of inhalation studies in workers or volunteers. Based on the NOAEC established for humans, the MAK value of 0.5 ml/m3 is retained. Peak Limitation Category I and the excursion factor of 1 are retained as there are no new data.