Agent Name |
Sodium metabisulfite |
CAS Number |
7681-57-4 |
Formula |
H2-O5-S2.2Na |
Major Category |
Other Chemicals |
Synonyms |
Campden Tablets; Disodium disulfite; Disodium metabisulfite; Disodium pyrosulfite; Disulfurous acid, disodium salt; Fertisilo; Natrii disulfis; Natrium metabisulfurosum; Natrium pyrosulfit; Natriumbisulfit; Natriummetabisulfit; Pyrosulfurous acid, disodium salt; Sodium bisulfite anhydrous; Sodium disulfite; Sodium metabisulfite; Sodium metabisulfite (Na2-S2O5); Sodium metabisulphite; Sodium pyrosulfite; Sodium pyrosulfite (Na2S2O5); [ChemIDplus] |
Category |
Sulfites |
Description |
White to yellowish crystals or powder with an odor of sulfur dioxide; [NIOSH] |
Sources/Uses |
Sodium and potassium metabisulfite are used as antioxidants in photographic film development. [Kanerva, p. 1055] Used as an antioxidant (food preservative, pharmaceutical aid, silage preservative; [HSDB] |
Comments |
A case of occupational asthma, confirmed by specific inhalation challenge, was reported in which a worker sprinkled dry metabisulfite on potatoes. [Malo JL, Cartier A, Desjardins A. Occupational asthma caused by dry metabisulphite. Thorax 1995 May;50(5); 585-6.] Similar cases have been reported in the wine, laundry, and lobster fishing industries. [Madsen J, Sherson D, Kjoller H, Hansen I, Rasmussen K. Occupational asthma caused by sodium disulphite in Norwegian lobster fishing. Occup Environ Med 2004;61:873-874] Occupational skin sensitization has also been reported; [Sulfite contact allergy. Vena GA, Foti C, Angelini G. Contact Dermatitis 1994 Sep;31(3):172-5] In the presence of water and acid, metabisulfite can generate toxic amounts of SO2. [ATSDR Medical Management] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May cause asthma; [ICSC] See "SULFITES." |
Reference Link |
Occupational asthma caused by dry metabisulphite |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
TLV (ACGIH) |
5 mg/m3 |
Adverse Effects |
Asthma |
Yes |
Skin Sensitizer |
Yes |
IARC Carcinogen |
Not Classifiable |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: SODIUM METABISULFITE
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