sodium bisulfite

H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

P264, P270, P301+P317, P330, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 1446) of reports.

H302 (99.9%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

Aggregated GHS information provided per 1446 reports by companies from 13 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 1 of 1446 reports by companies.

There are 12 notifications provided by 1445 of 1446 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

P261, P264+P265, P271, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P337+P317, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]

H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P233, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P272, P280, P284, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P319, P321, P330, P333+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P301+P317, P305+P354+P338, P317, P330, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

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

Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.

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

Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention .

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Sodium bisulfite:

Eye: IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Breathing: FRESH AIR - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. Other measures are usually unnecessary.

Swallow: MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. (NIOSH, 2024)

Get medical attention.

SKIN: wash with plenty of water.

EYES: flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. (USCG, 1999)

(General first aid procedures)

Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Breathing: Fresh air

Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

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 the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank 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, 2024)

Personal protection: filter respirator for acid gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in covered non-metallic containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from 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, 2024)

Separated from acids, strong oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Well closed.

KEEP WELL CLOSED & IN A COOL PLACE.

3.5 [mg/m3]

16 [mg/m3]

93 [mg/m3]

TWA 5 mg/m3

none See Appendix G

See: IDLH INDEX

5.0 [mg/m3]

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 5 mg/cu m

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed 3 times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 minutes during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded.

A4: Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

5 mg/m³ [1992]

No indication can be given about the rate at which a harmful concentration of this substance in the air is reached.

The substance is irritating to the skin, eyes, 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.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Sodium bisulfite:

Skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for personal protective equipment for the body.

Eyes: No recommendation is made specifying the need for eye protection.

Wash skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for washing the substance from the skin (either immediately or at the end of the work shift).

Remove: No recommendation is made specifying the need for removing clothing that becomes wet or contaminated.

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)

Wear chemical splash goggles or face shield and chemical protective gloves. (USCG, 1999)

Important additional information about respirator selection

NO contact with acids or strong oxidizing agents. NO contact with incompatible materials: See Chemical Dangers

Use ventilation.

Protective gloves.

Wear safety spectacles.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

Sodium bisulfite appears as white crystals or crystalline powder. Slight sulfurous odor. Specific gravity 1.48. Strong irritant to skin and tissue.

Sodium bisulfite solution appears as an aqueous solution with a faint sulfurous odor. Corrosive to aluminum. Used in the manufacture of other chemicals, in food processing, in photography, and in many other fields.

Dry Powder; Other Solid; Liquid

A clear, colourless to yellow solution

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

COLOURLESS-TO-YELLOW LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

White crystals or powder with a slight odor of sulfur dioxide.

White crystal or crystalline powder

GRANULAR POWDER

Slight sulfurous odor

Disagreeable taste

Decomposes (NIOSH, 2024)

greater than 212 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)

decomposes

Decomposes

less than 32 °F (USCG, 1999)

29 % (NIOSH, 2024)

Sol in 3.5 parts cold water, in 2 parts boiling water, in about 70 parts alcohol.

1.48 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink

1.36 at 77 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink

Relative density (water = 1): 1.34

1.48 @25 °C

Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 2.4

ON EXPOSURE TO AIR IT LOSES SOME SULFUR DIOXIDE & IS GRADUALLY OXIDIZED TO SULFATE.

Not flammable (USCG, 1999)

Emits toxic fumes of oxides of sulfur & sodium monoxide when heated to decomposition.

3.64 mPa*s at 20 °C

2,5-5,5 (10 % aqueous solution)

Aq soln is acid

INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.526

Other Classes -> Sulfites

Corrosives

Cosmetic ingredients (Sodium Bisulfite) -> CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review)

Preservative

ANTIMICROBIAL AGENT, ANTIOXIDANT, COLOR OR COLORING ADJUNCT, DOUGH STRENGTHENER, FLAVORING AGENT OR ADJUVANT, FLOUR TREATING AGENT, FORMULATION AID, PROCESSING AID, SURFACE-FINISHING AGENT, TEXTURIZER -> FDA Substance added to food

FCS -> FDA Inventory of Food Contact Substances Listed in 21 CFR

Water soluble.

Soluble in water.

Sulfite and Thiosulfate Salts

Water and Aqueous Solutions

Strong Reducing Agent

SODIUM BISULFITE is a reducing agent. Emits highly toxic gaseous sulfur dioxide gas when heated to decomposition or on contact with mineral acids [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 2949].

On contact with mineral acids the solution emits highly toxic fumes of sulfur dioxide gas [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 2949].

BISULFITE OF COMMERCE CONSISTS CHIEFLY OF SODIUM METABISULFITE, INCOMPATIBLE WITH ACIDS, OXIDIZERS.

Heat (decomposes) (Note: Slowly oxidized to the sulfate on exposure to air).

Heat (decomposes) [Note: Slowly oxidized to the sulfate on exposure to air.]

Safe in the present practices of use and concentration. Ingredient, concentration, and use information are available in documents discoverable at https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org

Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence for the carcinogenicity in humans of sulfur dioxide, sulfites, bisulfites and metabisulfites. There is limited evidence for the carcinogenicity in experimental animals of sulfur dioxide. There is inadequate evidence for the carcinogenicity in experimental animals of sulfites, bisulfites and metabisulfites. Overall evaluation: Sulfur dioxide, sulfites, bisulfites and metabisulfites are not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).

A4: Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

The substance can be absorbed into the body by ingestion.

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Cough. Shortness of breath. Wheezing.

Redness.

Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting.

irritation eyes, skin, mucous membrane

Eyes, skin, respiratory system

Asthma - Reversible bronchoconstriction (narrowing of bronchioles) initiated by the inhalation of irritating or allergenic agents.

ACGIH Carcinogen - Not Classifiable.

LD50 Rat oral 2 g/kg

LD50 Rat iv 115 mg/kg

LD50 MOUSE IV 130 MG/KG

LD50 RABBIT IV 0.67 MG/KG/8 HR FOR 5 DAYS A WK FOR 3 WEEKS

For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for SODIUM BISULFITE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

ANTIOXIDANT SODIUM BISULFITE HAS ABILITY TO INCR OR INHIBIT MUTAGENIC ACTIVITY OF N-METHYL-N'-NITRO-N-NITROSOGUANIDINE &/OR THAT OF N-ACETOXY-2-ACETYLAMINOFLUORENE.

When young rats were fed 50 mmol sodium bisulfite/kg/day for 3 wk, anemia, incr spleen weight & incr leukocyte counts were observed. Feeding sulfite for 8 weeks was assoc with reduced bw gain & food consumption. These effects were not ... due to the systemic toxicity of sulfite per se but were due to detrimental interaction of sulfite with cyanocobalamine & other constituents in the feed.

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 m1/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Administer activated charcoal ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Sulfur and related compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious. Early intubation at the first sign of upper airway obstruction may be necessary. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start an IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors for hypotension with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Sulfur and related compounds/

Dermatitis resulting from exposure of restaurant workers to preservatives in meat.

A case of an 18 yr old asthmatic patient in whom wheezing and anaphylactoid symptoms developed after the admin of isoetharine hydrochloride and metoclopramide hydrochloride, both containing bisulfites as preservatives. It was shown that these hypersensitivity reactions resulted from sodium bisulfite and sodium metabisulfite, used in soln of one and two, respectively. /SRP: Asthma-like symptoms are thought to be caused by a genetic lack of sulfite oxidase./

MEDICAL REPORTS OF ACUTE EXPOSURES HAVE SHOWN MILD EYE & RESP RESPONSES.

A case of hypersensitivity to sodium bisulfite associated with Normosol-M with dextrose intravenous injection is presented in a 48 yr old woman with acute pancreatitis who received Normosol-M with dextrose, 100 ml/hr for approx 5 days and developed an erythematous pruritic skin rash with angioedema which resolved when Normosol-M with dextrose was stopped and recurred when she was restarted on Normosol-M with dextrose, 125 ml/hr. It was concluded that because sulfites are found in many foods and drugs, many patients may actually have a sulfite sensitivity rather than a food or drug allergy.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for SODIUM BISULFITE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

... IP LD50's RANGE FROM 244 MG/KG IN THE DOG TO 675 MG/KG IN THE MOUSE. IV LD50's (65 MG/KG IN THE RABBIT TO 130 MG/KG IN THE MOUSE) ALSO INDICATE THAT SMALL ANIMALS ARE LESS SUSCEPTIBLE THAN LARGE ONES. GIVEN PARENTERALLY AT THE SAME DOSE, CONCENTRATED SOLUTIONS ARE MORE TOXIC THAN DILUTE ONES. RABBITS TOLERATED THE IV ADMINISTRATION OF 0.67 LD50's EVERY 8 HR, 5 DAYS/WK FOR 3 WK. ...

IN FATAL POISONINGS DEATH OCCURS IN 30-45 MIN; IT IS PRECEDED BY IRRITABILITY, RESTLESSNESS, CLONIC CONVULSIONS, VARIABLE PERIODS OF APNEA & CYANOSIS, & TERMINAL RESP & CARDIOVASCULAR COLLAPSE.

SODIUM BISULFITE INJECTED IP INTO MICE, DID NOT INDUCE INCR IN DOMINANT LETHAL MUTATIONS, DID NOT CAUSE CHROMOSOME ABERRATION IN GERM CELL STAGES TESTED, & DID NOT INDUCE HERITABLE TRANSLOCATIONS IN GERM CELLS OF MALES.

SISTER CHROMATID EXCHANGES ARE INDUCED IN CHINESE HAMSTER CELLS BY A 2-3 HR EXPOSURE TO ASCORBIC ACID OR BISULFITE.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for SODIUM BISULFITE (14 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

This substance may be hazardous to the environment. Special attention should be given to water quality.

Release of sodium bisulfite from the paper industry in Canada is reviewed. The principal sources of pollution are the wood preparation rooms, losses from the bleaching rooms, and cooking liquors from the chemical pulp process. There are also accidental losses from diverse operations such as the recuperation of the bleaching or cooking liquors.

This substance may be hazardous to the environment. Special attention should be given to water quality.

Release of sodium bisulfite from the paper industry in Canada is reviewed. The principal sources of pollution are the wood preparation rooms, losses from the bleaching rooms, and cooking liquors from the chemical pulp process. There are also accidental losses from diverse operations such as the recuperation of the bleaching or cooking liquors.

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Health: 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. /Bisulfites, aqueous solution, NOS; Bisulfites, inorganic, aqueous solution, NOS/

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Fire or Explosion: 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. /Bisulfites, aqueous solution, NOS; Bisulfites, inorganic, aqueous solution, NOS/

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... . 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. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate enclosed areas. /Bisulfites, aqueous solution, NOS; Bisulfites, inorganic, aqueous solution, NOS/

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Protective Clothing: 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. /Bisulfites, aqueous solution, NOS; Bisulfites, inorganic, aqueous solution, NOS/

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for SODIUM BISULFITE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

2693 154(solution)

NA 2693; SODIUM HYDROGEN SULFITE, SOLID OR SOLUTION

UN 2693; Sodium bisulfite solution.

IMO 8.0; Sodium bisulfite solution.

49 441 55; Sodium bisulfite, solid

49 323 76; Sodium bisulfite, solution

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Corrosive

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

Symbol: Xn; R: 22-31; S: (2)-25-46; Note: B