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Hydrogen Sulfite Safety

Hydrogen sulfite is a name for a chemical combination usually referred to by its stable form of sodium hydrogen sulfite. It is a white powdery salt and although stable, it is harmful if swallowed or inhaled in concentrated doses and should never be confused with the innocuous sodium chloride, or table salt.

  1. Basic Information

    • Synonyms for the stable form of hydrogen sulfite include sodium acid sulfite, sulfurous acid, monosodium salt and synonym sodium bisulfite. The Chemical Abstract Service number, or CAS, is 7631-90-5. CAS numbers are unique and universally recognized registrations of chemicals, which allow chemists to rapidly look up information from a database and keep track of chemicals with long and unwieldy names in print form.

    Physical Data

    • Sodium hydrogen sulfite has a density of 1.48 grams per millimeter and a melting point of 150 degrees Celsius (302 degrees Fahrenheit). Under normal atmosphere it is stable and will not produce gasses or fumes readily.

    Hazards

    • Sodium hydrogen sulfite is completely non-flammable, though it does pose a severe contact rating. Sodium hydrogen sulfite is a severe irritant, causing redness, itching and pain in many cases of contact. If ingested in large doses, sodium hydrogen sulfite can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pains, circulatory disturbance and central nervous system depression. The estimated fatal dose for an average adult is 10 grams, though it is likely lower for children.

    Preexisting Conditions

    • Although sodium hydrogen sulfite has no known chronic exposure dangers, it may affect certain individuals more. Sensitive people may experience bronchial constriction, shock, gastrointestinal disturbances, angioedema, flushing and tingling sensations. If an allergy does develop, further exposure can result in asthma attacks with shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing.

    Personal Protective Equipment

    • Store sodium hydrogen sulfite in a cold, dry place in a sealed container. When handling the chemical, wear long pants with closed toe shoes, a shirt and standard lab coat. Use vented splash goggles or a full face shield as well as disposable latex or neoprene gloves. If possible, work in a ventilated work space or use a NIOSH-approved personal respirator fitted with an acid/gas filter cartridge.

    First Aid

    • If you inhale sodium hydrogen sulfite, immediately get out to fresh air. If the person is not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If ingested, induce vomiting immediately as directed by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. In case of skin contact, wipe off the excess material from skin then immediately flush skin with plenty of water. Continue flushing for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes and place them in containment, even if it's only a plastic bin. Clothing must be washed thoroughly before reuse, but it does not need to be destroyed. For eye contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting the lower and upper eyelids occasionally to rinse deeply. In all cases of contamination or exposure, immediately seek medical attention once first aid has been administered.

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