POTASSIUM METABISULFITE ICSC: 1175 Potassium pyrosulfite Dipotassium disulfite K2S2O5 Molecular mass: 222.3 ICSC #    1175 CAS #     16731-55-8 RTECS # TT4920000 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. POTASSIUM METABISULFITE ICSC: 1175 Important Data 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.