[5] High yields are further complicated by the fact that MgO2 reacts with water to degrade the peroxide into magnesium hydroxide, also known as milk of magnesia.

Magnesium peroxide is a stable oxygen releasing compound, which is used in agricultural and environmental industries.

For sanitation purposes magnesium peroxide is often used as a source of oxygen for aerobic organisms in the treatment and disposal of biological waste.

[7] Magnesium peroxide is an irritant that can cause redness, itching, swelling, and may burn the skin and eyes on contact.

Long term exposure may lead to lung damage, shortness of breath, and tightening of the chest.

Ingestion of MgO2 can cause numerous adverse effects including: bloating, belching, abdominal pain, irritation of the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

[8][9] Environmentally, magnesium peroxide is not a naturally occurring compound and is not known to persist in the environment for prolonged times, in its complete state, or to bio-accumulate.