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Product Name: Potassium Metabisulfite
Chemical Formula: K₂S₂O₅
Other Names: Pyrosulphite, Potassium pyrosulfite
CAS Number: 16731-55-8
Recommended Use: Preservative, Antioxidant, Disinfectant (wine, food, pharmaceuticals)
Manufacturer/Supplier: Supplier address and contact details on product packaging
Emergency Contact: Listed emergency phone number or local poison control
Classification: Eye Irritation (Category 2A), Acute Toxicity Oral (Category 4), Respiratory Sensitizer (Category 1), Skin Sensitizer (Category 1)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, Causes serious eye irritation, May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled, May cause skin allergy
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Health hazard
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, Wash hands thoroughly after handling, Use personal protective equipment as required, In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation may trigger asthma-like reactions, Ingestion and exposure to high concentrations may damage tissues or organs, Eye and skin contact may cause redness, itchiness, blistering
Chemical Substance: Potassium Metabisulfite
Concentration: 98-100% (pure product)
Chemical Family: Inorganic salt
Relevant Impurities: Contains trace sulfur dioxide from atmospheric exposure during storage or transport
Other Ingredients: Not applicable under normal intended use
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms persist, loosen tight clothing, monitor for respiratory distress
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin under running water for at least 15 minutes, use soap, watch for rash or irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with water for 15 minutes, hold eyelids apart, remove contact lenses if present and easy, get medical help immediately
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, seek medical advice promptly
Most Important Symptoms: Respiratory irritation, asthma, headache, gastrointestinal upset, eye redness, skin rash
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Strong water jet (may spread material)
Special Hazards: Releases sulfur dioxide and toxic gases on decomposition, may intensify fire in presence of oxidizers
Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear, avoid breathing fumes
Other Information: Cool containers in vicinity of fire with water spray to prevent rupture
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, avoid breathing dust or vapors, use proper respiratory protection, don chemical-resistant gloves and goggles
Environmental Precautions: Keep out of drains, sewers, surface and groundwater, prevent spread by containing runoff with earth or sand
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or scoop into container for disposal, minimize dust generation, ventilate area thoroughly
Disposal: Package waste securely and label for authorized waste processor
Handling: Use only in well-ventilated places, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, wash thoroughly after handling, handle with care to prevent release of dust
Storage Requirements: Keep container tightly closed in cool, dry, well-ventilated space, avoid sunlight, heat, moisture, and oxidizing agents
Special Precautions: Store away from acids and foodstuffs, use original containers or ones compatible with corrosive agents, inspect closing regularly, keep out of reach of children
Workplace Exposure Limit: Sulfur dioxide TWA 2 ppm, short-term 5 ppm (check local regulations)
Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust or general ventilation to keep airborne concentration low
Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles meeting ANSI standard
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), lab coat or coveralls
Respiratory Protection: Approved dust respirator if dust exposure is possible
Other Protection: Emergency eyewash station and safety shower in immediate work area
Hygiene Measures: Remove contaminated clothes immediately, wash thoroughly after handling
Appearance: White or colorless, crystalline powder
Odor: Pungent, reminiscent of sulfur dioxide
Odor Threshold: Detectable at low ppm
pH (1% solution): 3.5 – 5.0
Melting Point: Decomposes above 190°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes to sulfur dioxide/gas)
Solubility: Soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol
Density: 2.34 g/cm³ (solid)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not relevant for solid
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not measured
Flash Point: Not flammable
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions, sensitive to moisture and acid
Reactivity: Reacts with acids to generate sulfur dioxide gas, incompatible with strong oxidizers
Decomposition Products: Sulfur dioxide, potassium oxide, minor sulfates and sulfides
Hazardous Reactions: May react violently with strong acids or oxidizers, avoid mixing with incompatible substances
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flame, moisture, acid vapors
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat) approximately 2000 mg/kg
Inhalation: Dust or sulfur dioxide vapors can cause headache, dizziness, respiratory trouble, severe exposures may trigger asthma or severe irritation
Ingestion: Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, may cause systemic toxicity
Skin Contact: Irritation, redness, possible allergic reaction upon repeated exposure
Eye Contact: Severe irritation, pain, tearing, blurred vision
Chronic Effects: Reports of respiratory sensitivity and allergic skin reactions in susceptible individuals, no evidence of carcinogenicity under normal exposure
Target Organs: Respiratory system, skin, eyes, gastrointestinal tract
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Mobility in Soil: Highly soluble, mobile in moist environments
Persistence and Degradability: Rapidly hydrolyzes in water to release sulfur dioxide, oxidizes to sulfate over time
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low, not expected to bioaccumulate
Impact on Wastewater Systems: Can disrupt biological treatment processes due to oxygen demand
Other Adverse Effects: Significant quantities alter pH and oxygen content of surface waters, avoid release to environment
Product Disposal: Dispose through licensed hazardous waste contractor, follow local environmental rules, do not dump in public sewers or environment
Container Disposal: Dispose of rinsed empty containers as hazardous waste, puncture and crush only after decontamination
Other Recommendations: Seek advice from regulatory authorities for safe management, always mark and document hazardous waste streams
UN Number: 1490
Proper Shipping Name: Potassium metabisulfite
Transport Hazard Class: Class 8 (corrosive), may be transported under limited quantity conditions
Packing Group: III
Label Required: Corrosive symbol
Marine Pollutant: Not classified under IMDG as marine pollutant, but should be handled with care near water
Special Precautions: Avoid rough handling and moisture inflow, ensure airtight packaging
Safety, Health, Environmental Regulations: Listed under chemical inventories in most jurisdictions, subject to workplace exposure limits for sulfur dioxide, reporting is required under SARA Title III in the United States
Labeling: Complies with OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, GHS, WHMIS
Restrictions: Not for use in food or pharmaceuticals above regulated limits
References: Refer to national workplace safety authorities for local legal requirements, consult Safety Data Sheet from supplier for detailed advice
West Ujimqin Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia, China
