Final answer:
Organic Peroxides pose health risks including irritation, burns, toxicity when ingested, and chronic effects such as organ damage and carcinogenicity. They are also dangerous oxidizing agents that can cause fires and explosions. Safety measures and personal protective equipment are essential when handling these chemicals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chemicals classified as Organic Peroxides are associated with various health hazards due to their reactive and volatile nature. When these chemicals come into contact with the skin or eyes, they can cause irritation, drying, and potentially severe burns. Some organic peroxides act as oxidizing agents, which means they may instigate other materials to combust, a property that increases their potential to cause fires and explosions. For instance, potassium dichromate is an oxidizing agent that poses such risks.
Oxidizing agents are particularly poisonous when ingested, causing damage to the esophagus and stomach, which could be fatal. Household cleaning products containing substances like sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide should never be mixed with other compounds such as vinegar or ammonia, as these mixtures can produce highly toxic gases or cause exothermic reactions leading to injury or further hazards.
Beyond acute exposure, organic peroxides can have chronic effects; volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can cause headaches, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Some of them are even carcinogenic. Exposure to ozone, a type of organic peroxide, has shown to affect the respiratory, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems, and can lead to early death and reproductive issues. Reactive oxygen species such as superoxide and hydroxyl radical can damage proteins, DNA, and are linked to aging.
Lastly, industrial chemicals like ethylene oxide used in vaccine preparation or sterilization are explosive and carcinogenic. It is crucial to handle organic peroxides with utmost care, adhering to safety protocols and using personal protective equipment.