Potassium bisulfite

Synonyms

Monopotassium sulfite; Potassium acid sulfite; Potassium bisulfite; Potassium hydrogen sulfite; Potassium sulfite (KHSO3); Potassium sulfite, hydrogen; Sulfurous acid, monopotassium salt; [ChemIDplus] UN2693

Category

Sulfites

Description

White, crystalline powder; [HSDB]

Sources/Uses

Used to preserve food, to reduce organic compounds, to bleach straw and textiles, to add sulfurous acid in brewing, to tan leather, and to disinfect; [Hawley]

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] See "SULFITES."

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Yes

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asthma, occupational

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Leather Tanning and Processing
• Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing)
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides