Why is Hydrogen Peroxide lethal to drink if it is only composed of one more molecule of oxygen than water?

Hydrogen peroxide is a clear, odorless, and colorless liquid consisting of hydrogen and oxygen. It’s available in dilutions ranging from 3–90%, some of which are sometimes used as an alternative health remedy.

Advocates suggest that drinking a few drops of hydrogen peroxide diluted in water may help treat a range of illnesses, including diabetes and even some forms of cancer.

However, medical professionals warn against the dangers of this practice.

This article takes a look at the latest evidence to determine whether the benefits of drinking hydrogen peroxide outweigh its potential risks.

Explanation:

If you have ingested small amounts of 3% hydrogen peroxide, call your local poison control helpline for assistance. If you have swallowed larger amounts or higher concentrations, seek immediate medical assistance from an emergency room.

The bottom line

Hydrogen peroxide is touted as an alternative health remedy for a range of health conditions.

However, there’s no scientific evidence that drinking it yields any benefits. Plus, doing so is linked to dangerous side effects, including breathing problems, severe gut damage, and in some cases, death.

For these reasons, drinking any concentration or amount of hydrogen peroxide is not recommended.