Part 5 of a 5 part series on cleaning & chemical sensitivity – Oxidation of Chemicals
By Michael Pinto, CSP, SMS, CMP, CFO
(Originally published in R&R Magazine – May 2018)

This is the last of a five part series providing insights and suggestions for restoration contractors who are faced with situations involving chemically sensitized occupants. The focus has been on individuals whose sensitivities are related to chemical exposures. However, much of the information in this series is also appropriate for individuals whose health concerns come from exposure to biological contaminants and their chemical byproducts such as endotoxins and mycotoxins. Since the information in the entire series is synergistic, readers are encouraged to review the first four parts which cover a basic understanding of sensitization, removal of source materials and detailed cleaning, neutralization of chemical contaminants in the structure, and procedures for dealing with off-gassing.

Throughout this series, detailed suggestions regarding certain work procedures, products, and equipment have been offered. Those suggestions are not based on any monetary consideration but come as a result of nearly 40 years of experience in the safety, health, and restoration industries. The information provided throughout the series is believed to be accurate at the time it was developed, but it should be viewed as general information which may need to be adjusted to fit individual circumstances.

Oxidation of Chemicals

In many ways, the concept of oxidation is similar to some of the principles introduced in the last three parts of this series. Technically, some procedures discussed for neutralization and out-gassing control involve oxidation. For example, hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate, two of the substances detailed in those previous articles, are both strong oxidizers.

This inter-relatedness of cleaning processes means that starting with a proper understanding of key terms is essential. Very simply, oxidation refers to a process where a substance combines with oxygen. Since unbound or loosely bound oxygen atoms are unstable, they naturally combine, or react, with other chemicals to form more stable compounds. As part of this ‘chemical reaction,’ the addition of an oxygen atom may cause more complex molecules to break into two or more pieces. Because of the way the process works, any chemical that readily gives up an oxygen atom when it comes in contact with other substances is called an oxidizer.

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