Certain cells produce hydrogen peroxide in response to bacteria to fight off infection. The hydrogen peroxide chemical can call white blood cells to a wound to help it heal faster and can also kill the viruses and bacteria that threaten to enter and infect the wound. It is a major part of the immune system’s line of defense. Hydrogen peroxide is produced in a human’s thyroid, lungs, and gut by catalase, an enzyme. If there is too much hydrogen peroxide, then it can damage the cells and DNA. Researchers say that too much of this chemical could be also be a factor in diseases such as chronic pulmonary obstruction, asthma, and some inflammatory gut diseases.
