Potassium bisulfite

Agent Name
Potassium bisulfite
CAS Number
7773-03-7
Formula
H2-O3-S.K
Major Category
Other Classes
Potassium bisulfite formula graphical representation
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."
Biomedical References

Adverse Effects

Asthma
Yes

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: