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POTASSIUM METABISULFITE

ICSC: 1175

Potassium pyrosulfite
Dipotassium disulfite
K2S2O5
Molecular mass: 222.3
ICSC # 1175 		CAS # 16731-55-8
RTECS # TT4920000
October 23, 1995 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Combustible under specific conditions. See Notes.
NO open flames.
In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!

•INHALATION Shortness of breath. Wheezing.
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed.
•SKIN
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
•EYES
Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Diarrhoea. Headache. Vomiting. Weakness.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water to drink. Rest.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. Personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles.
Dry. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

ICSC: 1175 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

POTASSIUM METABISULFITE

ICSC: 1175

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D

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T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE CRYSTALLINE POWDER , WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating and on burning producing toxic and irritating fumes including sulfur oxides. Reacts with acids liberating toxic and irritating sulfur dioxide.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

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

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Inhalation of this substance may cause asthma-like reactions.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. Repeated or prolonged inhalation exposure may cause asthma.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Melting point (decomposes): 190°C
Relative density (water = 1): 2.34
Solubility in water: good

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

The compound may catch fire if much heat develops in powdering it. The symptoms of asthma often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Anyone who has shown symptoms of asthma due to this substance should avoid all further contact with this substance. Card has been partly updated in April 2005.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 1175 POTASSIUM METABISULFITE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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