Simon Cotton takes a look at those compounds that find themselves in the news or relate to our everyday lives.
Some American doctors have tried injecting patients with hydrogen peroxide as a treatment for cancer, multiple sclerosis and other complaints. Sadly, however, people died after the treatment.
Yes, but in very dilute solutions (3 per cent). Similar solutions of H2O2 are also safe to put on cuts to clean wounds. The American Cancer Society says that there is no evidence to support the view that hydrogen peroxide is a cancer cure, and that the chemical may well be harmful. Some cells may produce hydrogen peroxide under certain circumstances to kill germs.
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