MSDS Number: P5554 * * * * * Effective Date: 11/21/08 * * * * * Supercedes: 01/09/06 POTASSIUM METABISULFITE


POTASSIUM METABISULFITE


1. Product Identification

Synonyms: Potassium pyrosulfite; pyrosulfurous acid, dipotassium salt; disulfurous acid, dipotassium salt; potassium disulfite
CAS No.: 16731-55-8
Molecular Weight: 222.32
Chemical Formula: K2S2O5
Product Codes:
J.T. Baker: 2976
Mallinckrodt: 7000, 7008, 7058

2. Composition/Information on Ingredients


 
  Ingredient                                CAS No         Percent        Hazardous                                  
  ---------------------------------------   ------------   ------------   ---------   
 
  Potassium Metabisulfite                   16731-55-8       90 - 100%       Yes                                                                    
 

3. Hazards Identification

Emergency Overview
--------------------------
WARNING! HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC REACTION. MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES, AND RESPIRATORY TRACT.

SAF-T-DATA(tm) Ratings (Provided here for your convenience)
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Health Rating: 2 - Moderate (Life)
Flammability Rating: 0 - None
Reactivity Rating: 2 - Moderate
Contact Rating: 2 - Moderate
Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES & SHIELD; LAB COAT & APRON; VENT HOOD; PROPER GLOVES
Storage Color Code: Green (General Storage)
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Potential Health Effects
----------------------------------

Although only moderately toxic in large amounts, sulfites can pose risk to some asthmatics producing central nervous system depression, bronchoconstriction and anaphylaxis.

Inhalation:
Use of bronchodilators preserved with sulfites can cause allergic reactions.
Ingestion:
Not expected to be a health hazard but large amounts may cause gastrointensinal disturbances due to release of sulfur dioxide. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea may result. Some sensitive individuals may experience allergic reactions from foods treated with sulfites.
Skin Contact:
May cause irritation and possibly dermatitis.
Eye Contact:
May cause irritation, redness and pain.
Chronic Exposure:
No adverse health effects expected.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Some asthmatics are said to be dangerously sensitive to minute amounts of sulfites in foods and some bronchodilator medications preserved with sulfites.

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. Get medical attention for any breathing difficulty.
Ingestion:
Induce vomiting immediately as directed by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Skin Contact:
Wash exposed area with soap and water. Get medical advice if irritation develops.
Eye Contact:
Wash thoroughly with running water. Get medical advice if irritation develops.

5. Fire Fighting Measures

Fire:
Not considered to be a fire hazard, however, may ignite in milling, grinding, other conditions of high friction. Toxic gases are given off in a fire.

Explosion:
Not considered to be an explosion hazard.
Fire Extinguishing Media:
Use any means suitable for extinguishing surrounding fire.
Special Information:
In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.

6. Accidental Release Measures

Ventilate area of leak or spill. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as specified in Section 8. Spills: Sweep up and containerize for reclamation or disposal. Vacuuming or wet sweeping may be used to avoid dust dispersal.



7. Handling and Storage

Containers of this material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (dust, solids); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product. Keep in a tightly closed container, stored in a cool, dry, ventilated area. Protect against physical damage.

8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Airborne Exposure Limits:
None established.
Ventilation System:
A system of local and/or general exhaust is recommended to keep employee exposures as low as possible. Local exhaust ventilation is generally preferred because it can control the emissions of the contaminant at its source, preventing dispersion of it into the general work area. Please refer to the ACGIH document, Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practices, most recent edition, for details.
Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved):
For conditions of use where exposure to dust or mist is apparent and engineering controls are not feasible, a particulate respirator (NIOSH type N95 or better filters) may be worn. If oil particles (e.g. lubricants, cutting fluids, glycerine, etc.) are present, use a NIOSH type R or P filter. For emergencies or instances where the exposure levels are not known, use a full-face positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator. WARNING: Air-purifying respirators do not protect workers in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Skin Protection:
Wear protective gloves and clean body-covering clothing.
Eye Protection:
Use chemical safety goggles. Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work area.

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance:
White or colorless crystals.
Odor:
Sulfur dioxide.
Solubility:
Soluble in water.
Density:
2.3
pH:
No information found.
% Volatiles by volume @ 21C (70F):
0
Boiling Point:
Not applicable.
Melting Point:
190C (374F)
Vapor Density (Air=1):
No information found.
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg):
No information found.
Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1):
No information found.

10. Stability and Reactivity

Stability:
Oxidizes in air to sulfate, more readily in the presence of moisture.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Reaction with acids may release sulfur dioxide.
Hazardous Polymerization:
Will not occur.
Incompatibilities:
No incompatibility data found. Strong acids, water, most common metals, and nitrates.
Conditions to Avoid:
Heat, moisture, air, incompatibles.

11. Toxicological Information


No LD50/LC50 information found relating to normal routes of occupational exposure. Investigated as a tumorigen, mutagen, reproductive effector.
 
  --------\Cancer Lists\------------------------------------------------------
                                         ---NTP Carcinogen---
  Ingredient                             Known    Anticipated    IARC Category
  ------------------------------------   -----    -----------    -------------
  Potassium Metabisulfite                 No          No              3
  (16731-55-8)

12. Ecological Information

Environmental Fate:
No information found.
Environmental Toxicity:
No information found.

13. Disposal Considerations

Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be managed in an appropriate and approved waste facility. Although not a listed RCRA hazardous waste, this material may exhibit one or more characteristics of a hazardous waste and require appropriate analysis to determine specific disposal requirements. Processing, use or contamination of this product may change the waste management options. State and local disposal regulations may differ from federal disposal regulations. Dispose of container and unused contents in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.

14. Transport Information

Not regulated.

15. Regulatory Information

 
  --------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 1\---------------------------------
  Ingredient                                       TSCA  EC   Japan  Australia
  -----------------------------------------------  ----  ---  -----  ---------
  Potassium Metabisulfite (16731-55-8)              Yes  Yes   Yes      Yes                                      
 
  --------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 2\---------------------------------
                                                          --Canada--
  Ingredient                                       Korea  DSL   NDSL  Phil.
  -----------------------------------------------  -----  ---   ----  -----
  Potassium Metabisulfite (16731-55-8)              Yes   Yes   No     Yes                 
 
  --------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 1\----------------
                                             -SARA 302-    ------SARA 313------
  Ingredient                                 RQ    TPQ     List  Chemical Catg.
  -----------------------------------------  ---   -----   ----  --------------
  Potassium Metabisulfite (16731-55-8)       No    No      No         No
 
  --------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 2\----------------
                                                        -RCRA-    -TSCA-
  Ingredient                                 CERCLA     261.33     8(d) 
  -----------------------------------------  ------     ------    ------
  Potassium Metabisulfite (16731-55-8)       No         No         No               
 
 
Chemical Weapons Convention:  No     TSCA 12(b):  No     CDTA:  No
SARA 311/312:  Acute: Yes      Chronic: No   Fire: No  Pressure: No
Reactivity: No          (Pure / Solid) 


Australian Hazchem Code: None allocated.
Poison Schedule: None allocated.
WHMIS:
This MSDS has been prepared according to the hazard criteria of the Controlled Products Regulations (CPR) and the MSDS contains all of the information required by the CPR.

16. Other Information

NFPA Ratings: Health: 1 Flammability: 0 Reactivity: 0
Label Hazard Warning:
WARNING! HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC REACTION. MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES, AND RESPIRATORY TRACT.
Label Precautions:
Avoid breathing dust.
Keep container closed.
Use with adequate ventilation.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing.
Wash thoroughly after handling.
For Reagent and Technical Grades: Not For Food Use.For TAC Grades: Do not use in meats or in foods recognized as a source of Vitamin B-1, nor in fruits or vegetables to be served or sold raw to consumers or to be presented to consumers as fresh.
Label First Aid:
If swallowed, induce vomiting immediately as directed by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes or skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. If inhaled, remove to fresh air. Get medical attention for any breathing difficulty. In all cases call a physician.
Product Use:
Laboratory Reagent.
Revision Information:
No Changes.
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Prepared by: Environmental Health & Safety
Phone Number: (314) 654-1600 (U.S.A.)