Sodium bisulfite

Synonyms

Bisulfite de sodium [French]; Fr-62; Hydrogen sodium sulfite; Hydrogen sulfite sodium; Monosodium sulfite; Sodium acid sulfite; Sodium bisulfite (1:1); Sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3); Sodium bisulphite; Sodium hydrogen sulfite; Sodium hydrosulfite(DOT); Sodium metabisulfite; Sodium sulfite (NaHSO3); Sodium sulhydrate; Sulfurous acid, monosodium salt; Uantax SBS; [ChemIDplus] UN2693

Category

Sulfites

Description

White crystals or powder with a slight odor of sulfur dioxide; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used as a food preservative; a disinfectant and bleach for textiles, brewing casks, dye vats, and paper making; and an additive for copper and brass plating; [HSDB] Used in photography (fixing bath); [www.ci.tucson.az.us/arthazards/medium.html]

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] "Powder is irritating to eyes, nose, and throat and can irritate skin." [CAMEO] See "SULFITES."

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

5 mg/m3

Yes

Not classifiable

Not Classifiable

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asthma, occupational

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Electroplating
• Photographic Processing
• Pulp and Paper Processing
• Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing)
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides