Sodium Metabisulfite is a white crystalline or powdery solid with a pungent sulfur odor. It is highly soluble in water and commonly used as a disinfectant, antioxidant, and preservative. In industrial applications, it serves as a reducing agent in the treatment of wastewater, in the photographic industry, and in textile processing. In the food and beverage sector, it is widely applied as a preservative and antioxidant to prevent spoilage, discoloration, and oxidation. Sodium metabisulfite also finds use in winemaking and brewing to sterilize equipment and control microbial growth.
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Chemical Formula: Naâ‚‚Sâ‚‚Oâ‚…
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Appearance: White crystalline powder
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Main Uses: Preservative, antioxidant, reducing agent, disinfectant
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Industries: Food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, textiles, mining, photography
Hazards of Sodium Metabisulfite
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Health Hazards:
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Causes skin and eye irritation.
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Harmful if swallowed or inhaled.
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May cause allergic skin reactions and asthma-like symptoms in sensitive individuals.
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Dust may irritate respiratory system, causing coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
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Releases sulfur dioxide (SOâ‚‚) when in contact with acids or moisture, which is a respiratory irritant.
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Environmental Hazards:
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Fire Hazards:
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Precautionary Measures:
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Use only in well-ventilated areas.
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Avoid breathing dust or vapors.
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Wear protective gloves, clothing, eye protection, and a suitable dust mask or respirator.
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Store in a cool, dry place away from acids and moisture.
Hazards
Hazard Statements (H-codes):
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H302 – Harmful if swallowed.
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H319 – Causes serious eye irritation.
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H334 – May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
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H317 – May cause an allergic skin reaction.
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H335 – May cause respiratory irritation.
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H402 – Harmful to aquatic life.
Precautionary Statements (P-codes):
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P261 – Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray.
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P264 – Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
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P270 – Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
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P271 – Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
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P273 – Avoid release to the environment.
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P280 – Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and face protection.
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P302+P352 – IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
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P304+P340 – IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
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P305+P351+P338 – IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do – continue rinsing.
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P333+P313 – If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
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P337+P313 – If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention.
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P501 – Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national regulations.
Uses
Uses of Sodium Metabisulfite
1. Food & Beverage Industry
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Preservative and antioxidant (prevents browning, spoilage, and oxidation).
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Used in winemaking and brewing to sterilize equipment, inhibit wild yeast, and prevent oxidation.
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Preserves dried fruits, juices, and seafood (prevents discoloration).
2. Water Treatment
3. Industrial Applications
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Used in the textile industry as a bleaching agent and to remove excess dye.
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Functions as a reducing agent in photographic developing solutions.
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Used in leather tanning to prevent oxidation.
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Helps in pulp and paper processing.
4. Mining & Oil Industry
5. Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics
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