MSDS Number: S4378 * * * * * Effective Date: 08/20/08 * * * * *
Supercedes: 11/10/05

SODIUM METABISULFITE

1. Product Identification

Synonyms: Sodium pyrosulfite; pyrosulfurous acid, disodium
salt
CAS No.: 7681-57-4 Sodium Metabisulfite; 7631-90-5 Sodium
Bisulfite.
Molecular Weight: 190.11
Chemical Formula:
Na2S2O5 (sodium metabisulfite) and NaHSO3 (sodium bisulfite)
Product
Codes:
J.T. Baker: 3550, 3551
Mallinckrodt: 7776, 7777

2. Composition/Information on Ingredients

Ingredient CAS No Percent Hazardous
--------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------

Sodium Metabisulfite 7681-57-4 100% Yes
Sodium Bisulfite 7631-90-5 < 0.001% No

3. Hazards Identification

Emergency Overview
--------------------------

WARNING! HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN,
EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC RESPIRATORY REACTION. REACTS
WITH ACIDS AND WATER RELEASING TOXIC SULFUR DIOXIDE GAS.

J.T.
Baker SAF-T-DATA(tm) Ratings (Provided here for your
convenience)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Health Rating: 2 - Moderate
Flammability Rating: 0 - None

Reactivity Rating: 2 - Moderate
Contact Rating: 3 - Severe
Lab
Protective Equip: GOGGLES & SHIELD; LAB COAT & APRON; VENT HOOD;
PROPER GLOVES
Storage Color Code: Green (General Storage)

Potential Health Effects
----------------------------------

Inhalation:
Causes irritation to the respiratory tract.
Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath. May cause allergic
reaction in sensitive individuals.
Ingestion:
May cause gastric
irritation by the liberation of sulfurous acid. An asthmatic reaction may
occur after ingestion. Large doses may result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
abdominal pains, circulatory disturbance, and central nervous system
depression. Estimated fatal dose is 10 gm.
Skin Contact:
Causes
irritation to skin. Symptoms include redness, itching, and pain.
Eye
Contact:
Causes irritation, redness, and pain. Contact may cause
irreversible eye damage. Symptoms may include stinging, tearing, redness,
swelling, corneal damage and blindness.
Chronic Exposure:
No
information found.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Some
individuals are said to be dangerously sensitive to minute amounts of sulfites
in foods. Symptoms may include broncho constriction, shock, gastrointestinal
disturbances, angio edema, flushing, and tingling sensations. Once allergy
develops, future exposures can cause asthma attacks with shortness of breath,
wheezing, and cough.

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give
artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical
attention.
Ingestion:
Induce vomiting immediately as directed
by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Get medical attention.
Skin Contact:
Wipe off excess material
from skin then immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical attention. Wash
clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse.
Eye
Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention
immediately.

5. Fire Fighting Measures

Fire:
Not considered to be a fire hazard.

Explosion:
Not considered to be an explosion hazard.

Fire Extinguishing Media:
Use any means suitable for
extinguishing surrounding fire. Do not allow water runoff to enter sewers or
waterways.
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: Pick up and place in a
suitable container for reclamation or disposal, using a method that does not
generate dust. Cautiously spray residue with plenty of water, providing
ventilation to clear sulfur dioxide fumes generated from water contact. US
Regulations (CERCLA) require reporting spills and releases to soil, water and
air in excess of reportable quantities. The toll free number for the US Coast
Guard National Response Center is (800) 424-8802.

7. Handling and Storage

Keep in a tightly closed container. Protect from physical damage.
Store in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from sources of heat, moisture and
incompatibilities. Releases toxic sulfur dioxide gas when in contact with
water, ice. Keep away from acids, water, ice, and oxidizing agents. Use only
with appropriate protective equipment. Do not use in unventilated areas such
as holds of fishing boats, walk in coolers or confined spaces. 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.

8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Airborne Exposure Limits:
-ACGIH Threshold Limit Value
(TLV):
5mg/m3 (TWA) for sodium bisulfite & for sodium metabisulfite, A4
Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.
Ventilation System:
A
system of local and/or general exhaust is recommended to keep employee
exposures below the Airborne Exposure Limits. 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):
If the exposure limit is exceeded, a
half-face respirator with an acid gas cartridge may be worn for up to ten
times the exposure limit or the maximum use concentration specified by the
appropriate regulatory agency or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest. A
full-face piece respirator with an acid gas cartridge may be worn up to 50
times the exposure limit, or the maximum use concentration specified by the
appropriate regulatory agency, or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest.
For emergencies or instances where the exposure levels are not known, use a
full-facepiece positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator. WARNING:
Air-purifying respirators do not protect workers in oxygen-deficient
atmospheres.
Skin Protection:
Wear impervious protective
clothing, including boots, gloves, lab coat, apron or coveralls, as
appropriate, to prevent skin contact. (neoprene, polyvinyl chloride).

Eye Protection:
Use chemical safety goggles and/or full face
shield where dusting or splashing of solutions is possible. Maintain eye wash
fountain and quick-drench facilities in work area.

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance:
White to yellow white crystalline granules.

Odor:
Slight odor of sulfur dioxide.
Solubility:

Very soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol.
Specific Gravity:

1.48
pH:
Aqueous solution is acidic.
% Volatiles by
volume @ 21C (70F):
0
Boiling Point:
Not applicable.

Melting Point:
150C (302F)
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:
Strength diminishes somewhat with age.
Gradually decomposes in air to sulfate, generating sulfurous acid gas. Contact
with moisture (water, wet ice, etc.), will release toxic sulfur dioxide gas.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Oxides of sulfur and sodium
may form when heated to decomposition.
Hazardous Polymerization:

Will not occur.
Incompatibilities:
Water, acids, alkalis,
sodium nitrite, oxidizers, aluminum powder.
Conditions to Avoid:

Moisture, heat, flames, ignition sources and incompatibles.

11. Toxicological Information

Sodium Metabisulfite [7681-57-4]: No LD50/LC50 information
found relating to normal routes of occupational exposure. Investigated as a
tumorigen, mutagen and reproductive effector. Sodium Bisulfite [7631-90-5]:
Oral rat LD50: 2000 mg/kg. Investigated as a tumorigen and mutagen.

--------\Cancer Lists\------------------------------------------------------
---NTP Carcinogen---
Ingredient Known Anticipated IARC Category
------------------------------------ ----- ----------- -------------
Sodium Metabisulfite (7681-57-4) No No 3
Sodium Bisulfite (7631-90-5) No No 3

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 disposal facility. 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
----------------------------------------------- ---- --- ----- ---------
Sodium Metabisulfite (7681-57-4) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sodium Bisulfite (7631-90-5) Yes Yes Yes Yes

--------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 2\---------------------------------
--Canada--
Ingredient Korea DSL NDSL Phil.
----------------------------------------------- ----- --- ---- -----
Sodium Metabisulfite (7681-57-4) Yes Yes No Yes
Sodium Bisulfite (7631-90-5) Yes Yes No Yes

--------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 1\----------------
-SARA 302- ------SARA 313------
Ingredient RQ TPQ List Chemical Catg.
----------------------------------------- --- ----- ---- --------------
Sodium Metabisulfite (7681-57-4) No No No No
Sodium Bisulfite (7631-90-5) No No No No

--------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 2\----------------
-RCRA- -TSCA-
Ingredient CERCLA 261.33 8(d)
----------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------
Sodium Metabisulfite (7681-57-4) No No Yes
Sodium Bisulfite (7631-90-5) 5000 No Yes

Chemical Weapons Convention: No TSCA 12(b): No CDTA: No
SARA 311/312: Acute: Yes Chronic: No Fire: No Pressure: No
Reactivity: Yes (Mixture / 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: 3 Flammability: 0
Reactivity: 1
Label Hazard Warning:
WARNING! HARMFUL IF
SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT.
MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC RESPIRATORY REACTION. REACTS WITH ACIDS AND WATER RELEASING
TOXIC SULFUR DIOXIDE GAS.
Label Precautions:
Avoid contact with
eyes, skin and clothing.
Avoid breathing dust.
Keep container
closed.
Use only with adequate ventilation.
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. If inhaled, remove to fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give
oxygen. In case of contact, wipe off excess material from skin then
immediately flush eyes or skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. In all
cases, get medical attention.
Product Use:
Laboratory Reagent.

Revision Information:
No Changes.
Disclaimer:

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Mallinckrodt Baker, Inc. provides the information contained herein in
good faith but makes no representation as to its comprehensiveness or
accuracy. This document is intended only as a guide to the appropriate
precautionary handling of the material by a properly trained person using this
product. Individuals receiving the information must exercise their independent
judgment in determining its appropriateness for a particular purpose.
MALLINCKRODT BAKER, INC. MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE
INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN OR THE PRODUCT TO WHICH THE INFORMATION REFERS.
ACCORDINGLY, MALLINCKRODT BAKER, INC. WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES
RESULTING FROM USE OF OR RELIANCE UPON THIS INFORMATION.

************************************************************************************************

Prepared by: Environmental Health & Safety
Phone Number:
(314) 654-1600 (U.S.A.)