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Chemical Datasheet

SODIUM METABISULFITE

8 - Corrosive

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 7681-57-4
  • 7757-74-6
  • 1759
  • Corrosive
none
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
Sodium metabisulfite
  • SODIUM DISULFITE
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
A white crystalline or powder solid with a slight sulfur odor. Toxic by inhalation. Strongly irritates skin and tissue. Noncombustible, but may decompose to emit toxic oxide fumes of sulfur and sodium when heated to high temperature. A corrosive acid when mixed with water. Used as a food preservative and as a laboratory reagent.

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
Air & Water Reactions
Acts as a corrosive acid when mixed with water. Reacts slowly with air and water.
Fire Hazard
Excerpt from 154 Polymerizable warning [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, 147 Polymerizable warning (lithium ion batteries) or 138 Polymerizable warning (sodium batteries) should also be consulted. (ERG, 2020)
Health Hazard
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Sodium metabisulfite:

Exposure Routes: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Symptoms: Irritation eyes, skin, mucous membrane

Target Organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system (NIOSH, 2023)
Reactivity Profile
SODIUM METABISULFITE is incompatible with the following: Heat (decomposes) [Note: Slowly oxidized to the sulfate on exposure to air & moisture.] (NIOSH, 2022).
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

No information available.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 154 Polymerizable warning [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 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, 2020)
Firefighting
Excerpt from 154 Polymerizable warning [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 OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: 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 engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from 154 Polymerizable warning [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, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Sodium metabisulfite:

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, 2023)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical CAS Number State QS QC SL C3 TF TP RC TK RF
Sodium metabisulphite (38%) 7681-57-4 Liquid imm >480 23 >480 >480 >480
> indicates greater than.
"imm" indicates immediate; having a normalized breakthrough time of 10 minutes or less.

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

(DuPont, 2023)

First Aid
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Sodium metabisulfite:

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, 2023)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • H2O5S2.2Na
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: greater than 302°F (Decomposes) (NIOSH, 2023)
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: 1.4 (NIOSH, 2023) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: Decomposes (NIOSH, 2023)
Molecular Weight: 190.1 (NIOSH, 2023)
Water Solubility: 54 % (NIOSH, 2023)
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Sodium metabisulfite (7681-57-4) 15 mg/m3 64 mg/m3 390 mg/m3
(DOE, 2018)

Regulatory Information

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

No regulatory information available.

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

No regulatory information available.

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names