Organic Peroxides

Abstract

Peroxides are highly reactive molecules due to the presence of an oxygen‐oxygen linkage. Under activating conditions, the oxygen‐oxygen bond may be cleaved to form highly reactive free radicals. There have been several investigations into the types of physical hazards represented by organic peroxides. Most of the references reviewed indicate that peroxides exhibit low toxicity. However, their irritant actions on skin and eyes vary widely. The analytic method should be specific for each organic peroxide. NIOSH has fully validated the method for benzoyl peroxide. National Toxicology Program (NTP) released a report on the toxic effects of t ‐butyl perbenzoate. The toxic properties of various peroxides such as peroxydicarbonates, peroxyesters, diacyl peroxides, peroxyesters, ketone peroxides, dialkyl peroxides, peroxyketals, hydroperoxides, and silyl peroxides have been presented in depth. Exposure assessment standards and regulations have also been discussed comprehensively for various compounds.