Researchers warn against drinking high-concentration peroxide

Aurora, CO – Do not drink peroxide. Ignore the claims that it works as an alternative medicine.

That is the message from researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, who recently reviewed a decade of poison control records for high-concentration peroxide ingestion from the National Poison Data System. They determined that more than 20 percent of 294 cases led to death, long-term disabilities or life-altering embolic events. Ailments associated with ingestion of peroxide included:

  • Stroke
  • Seizure
  • Respiratory distress
  • Altered mental status
  • Heart attack
  • Pulmonary embolism

“Though touted by the alternative and complementary medicine communities as ‘super water,’ peroxide should not be ingested for any reason,” lead author Benjamin Hatten, of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, said in a press release.

- Digital Partners -

Researchers defined “high concentration peroxide” as that with a concentration strength of 10 percent or greater.

The study was published online Jan. 30 in the Annals of Emergency Medicine.

- Digital Partners -

Next Webinar

Using Video to Reduce Close-Quarter Incidents

Date: Thursday June 11th, 2026

Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm CDT

Sponsored By: Lytx

Register Now

Current Issue

What's Trending

From our Partners

Earn recertification points

Board of Certified Safety Professionals

Take a quiz about this issue of the magazine and earn recertification points from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.