| Agent Name |
Potassium metabisulfite |
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| CAS Number |
16731-55-8 |
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| Formula |
H2-O5-S2.2K |
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| Major Category |
Other Classes |
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| Synonyms |
Dipotassium disulfite; Dipotassium metabisulfite; Dipotassium pyrosulfite; Potassium disulfite; Potassium disulfite (K2S2O5); Potassium metabisulfite; Potassium pyrosulfite; Pyrosulfurous acid, dipotassium salt; [ChemIDplus] |
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| Category |
Sulfites |
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| Description |
A white granular or powdery solid with a sharp odor of sulfur dioxide; [CAMEO] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Sodium and potassium metabisulfite are used as antioxidants in photographic film development. [Kanerva, p. 1055] |
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| Comments |
A case of occupational asthma, confirmed by specific inhalation challenge, was reported in a worker whose job was to sprinkle 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]In the presence of water and acid, metabisulfite can generate toxic amounts of SO2. [ATSDR Med. Manag. Guidelines] See "SULFITES." May cause skin sensitization and asthma after prolonged contact; [ICSC] |
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| Reference Link |
Occupational asthma caused by dry metabisulphite |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Not evaluated |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Asthma |
Yes |
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| IARC Carcinogen |
Not Classifiable |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: POTASSIUM METABISULFITE
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