Environmental Health & Safety

Industrial Hygiene Homepage

Laboratory Safety - Chemical Hygiene Program

OSHA Required Training

MSDS Information

Printable files are available in three parts with Adobe Acrobat Reader:

• PDF Version of Chemical Hygiene Program
• PDF Version of Appendices 1 through 11
• PDF Version of Appendix 12 - Standard Operating Procedures

Organic peroxides are considered low-power explosives that are sensitive to shock, sparks, and other accidental ignition.  Several compounds that may be found in labs present a similar hazard because they can undergo auto-oxidization to form organic hydroperoxides and/or peroxides when exposed to oxygen in air.  Ultraviolet light may cause a free-radical chain mechanism.  Oxygen may be added resulting in the formation of the peroxy radical.

Actions can be taken to reduce the formation of peroxides.  Storing the chemical under inert atmosphere (N₂ or argon) or under vacuum can increase the safe storage lifetime.  Also, chemical manufacturers add stabilizers or inhibitors to inhibit peroxide formation.

To test organic compounds for peroxide formation, EH&S recommends the use of EM Quant Peroxide Test Strips, available from VWR Scientific, Cat # SM-10011-1.

Unsaturated materials that may polymerize violently due to peroxide formation

Chemicals posing peroxide hazard upon concentration (distillation or evaporation)

Chemicals posing peroxide hazard without concentration

NOTE:  These lists are illustrative but are not exhaustive

QUESTIONS? Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.

This page last updated 2/17/2006. Disclaimer