Peroxide Formers: What you need to know to stay safe.

Are peroxide-forming chemicals hazardous?

Dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and fluid build-up in the lungs are all examples of harmful effects caused by human exposure to peroxide-forming chemicals. When left untreated, peroxide formers can be hazardous. Not only can they cause the milder conditions listed above, but peroxide formers can also be explosive threats that have hospitalized countless researchers with serious injuries. How peroxide formers are classified and how you can stay safe while using them are essential questions our scientists at XploSafe can answer!

Types of Peroxide Formers

There are four different classes of peroxide formers – Classes A-D.

Class A peroxide formers can autoxidize and form explosive levels of peroxides without concentration, and if they are not opened and treated, they can explode without warning! These are often advised to be discarded within three months of opening them. If there is any visual evidence of suspected peroxides, including crystallization around the mouth of the bottle, do not test them! Examples of Class A peroxide formers are isopropyl ether, divinyl ether, and chloroprene.

Class B peroxide formers form peroxides after concentration. These chemicals are recommended to be tested monthly and disposed of after one year. These should always be tested before discarding and treated if found to contain peroxides. Examples include cumene, diethyl ether, and furan. Repeated opening of the storage containers may lead to evaporation and concentration and thus should be avoided.

Class C peroxide formers may autopolymerize as a result of peroxide formation. These should be stored with polymerization inhibitors to prevent polymerization reactions. Inhibited chemicals should be tested after opening and should be discarded after one year if not treated. They should be tested prior to discarding and treated if found to contain peroxides. Uninhibited chemicals should be disposed of 24 hours after opening. Uninhibited chemicals should not be stored in an inert atmosphere. Examples of Class C chemicals include acrylic acid, styrene, and vinyl acetate.

Class D peroxide formers are those which are not clearly placed in Classes A-C, and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Where can XploSafe products be used?

XploSafe products are popular in university chemistry labs where the testing, preventing, and neutralizing of peroxide formers is vital to the education of future chemists, doctors, and scientists. Fire departments and first responders use our products to test potential chemical sites before sending in their units. Industrial chemical labs often use our products to check their supply of Class A-D peroxide-forming chemicals. Additionally, Environmental Health and Safety workers and Industrial Hygiene professionals often use our neutralizing agents to properly dispose of any chemical waste while helping to preserve our planet’s health.

XploSafe Peroxide Safety Products

When it comes to using any type of chemical – safety must always come first. How could you minimize the hazards and risks of peroxide-forming chemicals?

Detect – XploSens PS rapidly tests solutions and solvents for potential peroxides with a simple-to-use, color-changing test strip. It exhibits a long shelf life of up to 18 months, is designed for room temperature storage, and has a broad detection range of 0-500 ppm!

Prevent – XPell CE is an insoluble, non-contaminating pellet that prevents and indicates peroxide formation. The pellets do not require any special storage or handling and have a long shelf life. XPell CE can help significantly extend your peroxide-forming chemicals’ usable life.

Neutralize – XPell R is a visual solution that forms a distinct blue color indicating the absence of peroxides! No additional steps or materials are required for neutralizing, which can save your company money compared to other reducing/disposal methods! XPell R is often used in peroxide-heavy solutions which are intended for disposal.

Should you consider XploSafe products?

Any laboratory or profession that utilizes peroxide formers should consider carrying peroxide detection, prevention, and neutralization products! Whether you want to test your current chemical supply, prevent your experiment results from being tainted by peroxides or inhibitors, or are simply looking to cost-effectively neutralize your peroxide-laden chemicals XploSafe has a product for you!

Where can I purchase these products?

XploSafe products can be purchased on our website at xplosafe.com/shop/, through our channel partners Sigma-Aldrich/Millipore Sigma and Grainger, or on the GSA schedule through contract # 47QRAA22D00A5.