Peracetic acid

Made from acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide; sold as mixtures for sanitizing equipment, produce, and wastewater [1].

Breathing vapors or mists during mixing, spraying, or fogging; skin or eye contact with solutions—mostly at work, occasionally from specialty cleaners at home [2][3].

Causes burning eyes, nose, and throat, cough, wheeze, and skin burns; high exposures can lead to severe lung injury and permanent eye damage [2][3].

Workers who reprocess medical devices, sanitize food and beverage facilities, or treat wastewater; people with asthma; those in small, poorly ventilated rooms [1][3].

Use closed systems and local exhaust; avoid spraying/fogging when possible; wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles/face shield, and protective clothing; never mix disinfectants (especially with bleach or ammonia); ventilate well and follow the label [1][2][3].