Objective To determine whether 2% peracetic acid solution cause eye irritation in laboratory workers and animals. Methods 2% peracetic acid solution applied for a given time to the eyes in rabbits and the ocular changes were foUoweed and evaluated by score grading. Results Administration of 2% peracetic acid for 6 hours lead to iris and conjunetiva irritation, with hyleremia, edema and secretion. The changes were increased 24 h later, and serious changes were still present 7 days later. Conclusion 2% peracetic acid is a strong irritant and desinfection with 2% peracetie acid is irritative to laboratory animal eyes, suggesting that it is harmful to human eyes.