Potassium pyrosulfite

222.32400

221.84600

240-795-3

65OE787Q7W

1175

1759

DTXSID1021293

White crystals or crystalline powder|White powder

2832200000

124.92000

0.27220

2.3 g/cm³

150 °C (decomp)

H2O: 0.1 M at 20 °C, clear, colorless

Keep dry and well closed.

Sulfur dioxide odor|Pungent, sharp odor

Liberates SO2 with acids; oxidizes in air to sulfate, more readily in presence of moisture|It may catch fire if too much heat develops in powdering it.

Water soluble.

Sulfite and Thiosulfate Salts

Strong Reducing Agent

POTASSIUM METABISULFITE reacts with oxidizing agents to generate heat and products that may be flammable, combustible, or otherwise reactive. Can react explosively with strong oxidizing agents. Generates gaseous sulfur dioxide in contact with acids. Aqueous solutions are acidic and corrosive.

NONH for all modes of transport

1

R31

S26; S36

TT4920000

Xi

Dry. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

When stored at a maximum temperature of 25 deg C and a maximum relative humidity of 45%, the shelf life is 6 months.

P280-P305 + P351 + P338

H318

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

In aqueous solution, potassium metabisulfite forms potassium bisulfite (KHSO3) which exerts a strong reducing effect.|Potassium metabisulfite is incompatible with strong acids, water, and most common metals. It reacts with nitrites and sodium nitrate at room temperature, which occasionally results in the formation of flame. The reaction may be explosive if water is present. Potassium metabisulfite liberates SO2 with acids.

Potassium metabisulfite is generally recognized as safe when used as a chemical preservative in accordance with good manufacturing practice, except that it is not used in meats; in food recognized as a source of vitamin B1; on fruits and vegetables intended to be served raw to consumers or sold raw to consumers, or to be presented to consumers as fresh.|Potassium metabisulfite used as a chemical preservative in animal drugs, feeds, and related products is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing or feeding practice, except that it is not used in meats or in food recognized as source of vitamin B1.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. For electric vehicles or equipment, ERG Guide 147 (lithium ion batteries) or ERG Guide 138 (sodium batteries) should also be consulted. (ERG, 2016)|Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

|Danger|H315 (88.2%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]|P261, P264, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P310, P312, P321, P332+P313, P362, P403+P233, P405, and P501|Aggregated GHS information provided by 1509 companies from 12 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above. FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]: ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible. (ERG, 2016)|Personnel protection: Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves, boots and goggles. Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving this material.

It may catch fire if too much heat develops in powdering it.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources.

Personnel protection: Keep upwind. Avoid breathing dusts, and fumes from burning material. Avoid bodily contact with the material.|If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep material out of water sources and sewers.

Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Cool. Dry. Well closed. Separated from acids and strong oxidants. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

Evaporation at 20 °C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

The substance is corrosive to the eyes. The substance is irritating to the skin, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. Exposure could cause asthma-like reactions or urticaria in sensitive persons.

Repeated or prolonged inhalation may cause asthma-like symptoms. The substance may have effects on the skin.

NO open flames.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!

Use local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves.

Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.

Sulfites, including potassium metabisulfite, can react with various pharmaceutical compounds including sympathomimetics such as epinephrine (adrenaline), chloramphenicol, cisplatin, and amino acids which can result in their pharmacological inactivation. Sulfites are also reported to react with phenylmercuric nitrate, and may adsorb onto rubber closures.|/GENOTOXICITY/ Potassium metabisulfite at a concentration of 3.75 mM inactivated the mutagenic activity of coffee preparations at doses of 2-20 mg/plate when tested with Salmonella typhimurium strain TA100 without S9 mix.

LD50 Mouse ip 640 mg/kg bw|LD50 Rat oral 1800 mg/kg bw|LD50 Rat oral 2300 mg/kg bw

Ingestion of sulfites has been postulated to be a cause of rapid, acute allergic reactions, including fatal anaphylactic-like responses. A sulfite-sensitive subpopulation of asthmatics has been postulated to exist who have a relative deficiency of sulfite oxidase. The possibility that sulfur dioxide may be generated from sulfite in the low pH of the stomach has been considered as a mechanism of sulfite sensitivity. /Sulfites/|Some asthmatics are said to be dangerously sensitive to minute amounts of sulfites in foods. /Sulfites/

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of potassium metabisulfite is 100 to 999; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).

Ingested radiolabelled sulfite was reported to be excreted almost entirely in the urine of monkeys within 24 hr, but no free sulfite was detected in rat urine. Seven days after dosing, mice retained < 1% and rats, 2% of the radiolabel. In rabbits, sulfite was cleared predominantly by metabolism to sulfate. /Sulfite/

Sulfites are generated in the human body by processing of the sulfur-containing amino acids, cysteine and methionine. Endogenous sulfite is maintained at a low, steady-state concentration by a mitochondrial enzyme, sulfite oxidase, that promotes the oxidation of sulfite to sulfate that is excreted in the urine. Sulfites can also be metabolized to thiosulfates (enzymatic reaction of sulfite with 3-mercaptopyruvate) or S-sulfonate compounds (nonenzymatic reaction with disulfide bonds). Thiosulfate and S-sulfonate were detected at very low concentrations in the urine of normal humans or rats, but were excreted in large amounts by those deficient in sulfite oxidase. /Sulfites/|Sulfite that enters the body via ingestion, inhalation, or injection is metabolized by sulfite oxidase to sulfate. Oral dose studies using dogs and rats and intravenous (IV) dose studies using rabbits, rats, and rhesus monkeys, demonstrated rapid metabolic clearance. In all species

Bisulfite participates in three important types of reactions with biomolecules: sulfonation (sulfitolysis), autooxidation with generation of free radicals, and addition to cytosine. Products of sulfonation reactions have been shown to be long-lived in vivo and may be highly reactive. Products of autooxidation may be responsible for the initiation of lipid peroxidation, which, among other effects, could damage plasma membranes. In addition, bisulfite can react with nucleic acids to convert cytosine to uracil, thus resulting in mutational events. /Sulfites/|It is now widely appreciated that bronchoconstriction following SO2 exposure is mediated by chemosensitive receptors in the tracheobronchial tree. Rapidly activating receptors (RARs) and sensory C-fiber receptors found at all levels of the respiratory tract are sensitive to irritant gases such as SO2. Activation of these vagal afferents stimulates central nervous system reflexes resulting in bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion, mucosal vasodilation, cough, apnea followed by rapid shallow breathing, and effects on the cardiovascular system such as bradycardia and hypotension or hypertension. /Sulfur Oxide/|Early experiments demonstrated that SO2-induced reflexes were mediated by cholinergic parasympathetic pathways involving the vagus nerve and inhibited by atropine. Bronchoconstriction was found to involve smooth muscle contraction since beta-adrenergic agonists such as isoproterenol reversed the effects. Histamine was also thought to be involved in SO2-induced bronchoconstriction. ... Experiments in animal models ... have demonstrated that both cholinergic and noncholinergic mechanisms may be involved in SO2-induced effects. In two studies utilizing bilateral vagotomy, vagal afferents were found to mediate the immediate ventilatory responses to SO2, but not the prolonged bronchoconstrictor response. Other studies showed that atropine failed to block SO2-induced bronchoconstriction, and that a local axon reflex resulting in C-fiber secretion of neuropeptides (i.e., neurogenic inflammation) was responsible for the effect. Neurogenic inflammation has been shown to play a key role in animal models of airway inflammatory disease. /Sulfur Oxide/|In humans, the mechanisms responsible for SO2-induced bronchoconstriction are not fully understood. In non-asthmatics, near complete attenuation of bronchoconstriction has been demonstrated using the anticholinergic agents atropine and ipratropium bromide. However, in asthmatics, these same anticholinergic agents, as well as short- and long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists, theophylline, cromolyn sodium, nedocromil sodium and leukotriene receptor antagonists only partially blocked SO2-induced bronchoconstriction. That none of these therapies have been shown to completely attenuate the effects of SO2 implies the involvement of both parasympathetic pathways and inflammatory mediators in asthmatics. Strong evidence of this was borne out in /a subsequent study/, in which asthmatic adults were exposed to SO2 following pretreatment with cromolyn sodium (a mast cell stabilizer), atropine (a muscarinic receptor antagonist), and the two medications together. While both treatments individually provided some protection against the bronchoconstrictive effects of SO2, there was a much stronger and statistically significant effect following concurrent administration of the two medications. /Sufur Oxide/

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]: TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]: Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; give artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin. Keep victim calm and warm. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. (ERG, 2016)

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.

Rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention.

/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on the left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Poisons A and B/|/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if needed. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Poisons A and B/|/SRP:/ Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Poisons A and B/

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ /Investigators/ reported the results of patch testing 2894 eczematous patients over a 2-year period. Positive reactions to Sodium Metabisulfite in 1% pet. (following a 2-day occlusive exposure) were noted in 50 patients (1.7% incidence). All 50 patients also reacted to Potassium Metabisulfite in 1% pet., and to Sodium Bisulfite 1% and 5% pet. Only two reacted to Sodium Sulfite 1% pet.|/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ The prevalence of sulfite sensitivity was determined in a group of 51 children with chronic asthma, who were recruited from an allergy clinic. They ranged in age from five to 16 years, with a mean age of 10.3 years. Nearly 90% of the children were atopic, and 18% were steroid-dependent. Potassium metabisulfite was administered in lemonade in an open challenge, in graduated doses of 0.5-100 mg. Eighteen of the 51 reacted with a decrease > or = 20% in FEV1 after drinking the metabisulfite solution. Placebo challenges given to 14 of the 18 subjects resulted in one positive reaction. There was no difference in the prevalence of sulfite sensitivity between steroid-dependent and non-steroid-dependent subjects. All of the patients who reacted to metabisulfite solution but only two-thirds of those who did not react were reported to be sensitive to smog.|/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Bronchoconstrictive airway responses were evaluated in a group of 35 boys and 21 girls aged 6-14 years with chronic asthma, by open challenge after ingestion of incremental doses of potassium metabisulfite solution or capsules. All but two of the children had a history of allergy to various agents, but none showed allergy to metabisulfite in a skin-prick test. When the challenge was given with capsules, positive responses (reduction in pulmonary function) were noted in four of the children, only at the maximum challenge of 200 mg. Two children who had not reacted to the challenge with encapsulated metabisulfite responded positively to metabisulfite solution. None had systemic symptoms (flushing, tingling, and/or faintness) or hypotensive symptoms after metabisulfite challenge. All the patients who reacted positively to either challenge had severe to moderate bronchial reactivity to methacholine, while those who did not react had only mild reactivity to methacholine.|/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ A group of patients with chronic asthma and histories suggestive of sulfite sensitivity was studied in order to determine whether the ingestion of aqueous potassium metabisulfite was associated with degranulation of mast cells, as measured by the release of the neutrophil chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis. Single-blind, oral aqueous challenges of up to a maximum of 200 mg potassium metabisulfite were given to 13 patients. Serum samples were obtained from all the patients before the challenge and for 180 min afterwards. The samples were tested for the presence of neutrophil chemotactic factor by both a (51)Cr microchamber chemotaxis assay and a leukocyte polarization technique. Six of the patients gave positive responses, as indicated by a fall in FEV1 > or = 20% of prechallenge values. No significant increase in the amount of neutrophil chemotactic factor was detected in post-challenge serum samples from any patient. Skin testing with potassium metabisulfite in 10 of the patients yielded uniformly negative reactions. The authors concluded that sensitivity to aqueous metabisulfite is not associated with mast-cell degranulation in patients in whom the result of a skin test is negative.|For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for POTASSIUM METABISULFITE (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

potassium metabisulfite

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

Cough. Shortness of breath. Wheezing.

Redness.

Redness. Pain. Burns.

Article of commerce contains approx 95% K2S2O5.|Grades: Technical; reagent; FCC.

All other basic organic chemical manufacturing|Disulfurous acid, potassium salt (1:2): ACTIVE|Potassium metabisulfite is plant-growth regulator.|Five cmpd were evaluated against B theobromae in vitro and in vivo. Aureofungin exhibited the greatest inhibitory activity, followed by potassium metabisulfite, Sodium benzoate, thiourea, and boric acid.|Of the antioxidants and chelating agents tested, potassium bisulfite, sodium hypophosphite, EDTA, and cysteine were the most effective.

Food additives|Cosmetics -> Preservative

Food Additives -> ANTIOXIDANT; PRESERVATIVE;