It is a strong oxidizing agent, and is used as such in the production of other chemicals. Peroxyacetic acid may enter the environment from industrial discharges or spills. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Peroxyacetic acid has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of Peroxyacetic acid to plants, birds, or land animals.
Peroxyacetic acid has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of peroxyacetic acid to plants, birds, or land animals. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. Peroxyacetic acid is not likely to be very persistent in the environment.