Kathleen in VA Posted March 25, 2010 Share Posted March 25, 2010 A hairdresser in the UK died in an explosion caused by igniting hydrogen peroxide (they think she lit a cigarette). Here's the link: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/03/25/uk-teen-dies-blast-cigarette-sparks-hair-bleach/?test=latestnews I checked the article about hydrogen peroxide on wikipedia and saw that most of it - the kind most of us use for medicinal purposes - is sold in a low concentration in water. It did say that commercial types can be sold in relatively high concentrations. I'm guessing whatever this hairdresser had in her car was of the commercial variety which made it much more volatile and dangerous. I'm just wondering if there is any need to be concerned about the medicinal kind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry Posted March 25, 2010 Share Posted March 25, 2010 A hairdresser in the UK died in an explosion caused by igniting hydrogen peroxide (they think she lit a cigarette). Here's the link: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/03/25/uk-teen-dies-blast-cigarette-sparks-hair-bleach/?test=latestnews I checked the article about hydrogen peroxide on wikipedia and saw that most of it - the kind most of us use for medicinal purposes - is sold in a low concentration in water. It did say that commercial types can be sold in relatively high concentrations. I'm guessing whatever this hairdresser had in her car was of the commercial variety which made it much more volatile and dangerous. I'm just wondering if there is any need to be concerned about the medicinal kind. I don't think hydrogen peroxide is flammable by itself. It reacts with other chemicals though, and then can ignite. From MSDS: 5. Fire Fighting MeasuresFire: Not combustible, but substance is a strong oxidizer and its heat of reaction with reducing agents or combustibles may cause ignition. Increases the flammability of combustible, organic and readily oxidizable materials. Explosion: Contact with oxidizable substances may cause extremely violent combustion. Drying of concentrated hydrogen peroxide on clothing or other combustible materials may cause fire or explosion. Sealed containers may rupture when heated. Fire Extinguishing Media: Water spray may be used to extinguish surrounding fire and cool exposed containers. Water spray will also reduce fume and irritant gases. Special Information: In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted March 25, 2010 Share Posted March 25, 2010 There was a relatively recent arrest of a suspected Afghani terrorist living here in the US who was filmed purchasing peroxide and another chemical (I won't mention) at a beauty supply shop. Loose lips sink ships ;) Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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