Dihydrogen Oxide - 7732-18-5

Key Functions: Solvents & Cleaning

Dihydrogen oxide is a naturally occurring inorganic compound. It is essential for all living organisms for maintenance of metabolic and physiologic functions. It is also widely used as a solvent. In experimental studies, dihydrogen oxide is often used as a negative control for comparison to a chemical being tested. A few specific experimental studies have been published to evaluate dihydrogen oxide itself; all of these have been negative. (3-7) The US daily reference intake for water is 3.7 l/day for adult males and 2.7 l/day for adult females, including water contained in food, beverages and drinking water. An upper limit of consumption has not been set. (1) Drinking water contains numerous elements and contaminants at low levels. In the US, these levels are controlled by the EPA through the National Primary and Secondary Drinking Water Regulations. The highest elemental secondary standard is for chloride at 250ppm. This is below a level of concern for toxicity. All other contaminants are below the de minimus level (100ppm) for intentionally or unintentionally added contaminants. (8)

Chemical Synonyms Water, deionized water, distilled water, ice

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