OXIDIZING AGENTS AND HEALTH

Many common antiseptics and disinfectants are oxidizing agents. Antiseptics kill micro-organisms or prevent their growth on living tissue. Disinfectants kill microorganisms on inanimate objects.

A solution containing 3 % hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) dissolved in water is an antiseptic often used in treating minor cuts and abrasions. Acne is treated with a more powerful oxidizing agent in the form of ointment that contains 5 % - 10% benzoyl peroxide [(C₆H₅COO)₂]. Before surgery, the area of skin in which the incision is to be made is usually disinfected with a solution that contains iodine (I₂). Because the solution stains the skin a yellow-brown colour, one can easily see that the entire area was swabbed.

Liquid laundry bleaches such as Purex and Clorox are water solutions containing 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Often combined with a detergent, these solutions clean and disinfect sinks, toilets, and similar fixtures. A chemically similar compound called calcium hypochlorite [Ca(OCl)₂] is the active ingredient in bleaching powder and is also used in hospitals as a disinfectant for clothing and bedding. Elemental chlorine (Cl₂) is added to drinking water as well as swimming pools to kill pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms. Ozone (O₃) is also useful as a disinfectant for drinking water. It is more costly and has less residual disinfecting power than chlorine, but it imparts no unpleasant taste to the water. Compounds that release chlorine or bromine (Br₂) are added to the water of spas and hot tubs to prevent microorganisms from growing. Thus, we see that oxidizing agents play important but varied roles in protecting our health because of their ability to kill organisms or inhibit their growth.