Don’t Nebulize Hydrogen Peroxide!

It’s sad that this even needs to be said, but there’s a troubling craze on the Internet about nebulizing hydrogen peroxide.

Let me make this crystal clear: Do not put hydrogen peroxide in your nebulizer.

Any responsible respiratory therapist, nurse, or doctor will agree—there is absolutely nothing beneficial about nebulizing hydrogen peroxide, and it can seriously harm your lungs and airways.

What is Hydrogen Peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is a versatile and affordable disinfectant, a staple in homes and hospitals alike. Its bubbling action kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it perfect for cleaning wounds, sanitizing surfaces, whitening laundry, and tackling stubborn mold. Its no-rinse, residue-free nature makes it a go-to for safe and effective cleaning.

For years, it was even used in respiratory care to clean inner cannulas in patients with tracheostomies. This was before disposable cannulas became widely available. Back then, we removed the inner cannula, cleaned it with mini pipe cleaners and gauze, and rinsed it in a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. Finally, we rinsed it thoroughly in pure water to remove any residue.

What We Know Now

We did this for years—until research made it clear that hydrogen peroxide can destroy lung tissue.

While it’s a potent disinfectant, inhaling it can cause significant damage. Reactive oxygen species in hydrogen peroxide lead to oxidative stress, which inflames and irritates the delicate alveoli in the lungs. Prolonged or concentrated exposure can cause serious respiratory complications, making its use strictly external.

As a result, we stopped using it for cleaning inner cannulas. In fact, I recently completed a mandatory tracheostomy care class, and one of the key lessons was about the harms hydrogen peroxide can do to the lungs. One of the test questions at the end asked: “Hydrogen peroxide is a safe and effective way to clean an inner cannula.”

Years ago, I might have answered “True.” But today, with updated knowledge, the correct answer is an emphatic False.

What the Internet Says

Unfortunately, misinformation abounds online. As someone who moderates health-focused Facebook pages, I’ve seen countless posts claiming that hydrogen peroxide can be nebulized. People even link to dubious “studies” touting it as an effective treatment for ailments like COVID-19—or even as a preventative measure.

Let me be clear: there is no credible evidence to support these claims. On the contrary, nebulizing hydrogen peroxide poses significant risks to your lung health.

The Bottom Line

Hydrogen peroxide has its uses, but inhalation is not one of them. Trust medical professionals, not random internet advice. And please, for the sake of your lungs, keep hydrogen peroxide out of your nebulizer.