Is metabisulfite harmful?

* Breathing Sodium Metabisulfite can irritate the nose, throat and lungs causing coughing, wheezing and/or shortness of breath. * Sodium Metabisulfite may cause an asthma-like allergy. Future exposure can cause asthma attacks with shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and/or chest tightness.

Is sodium metabisulfite an antioxidant?

Sodium metabisulphite is used as an antioxidant agent in many pharmaceutical formulations. It is extensively used as a food preservative and disinfectant.

Is potassium metabisulfite harmful?

Potassium Metabisulfite Some potential dangers associated with exposure to this substance include severe burning and damage to your eyes, irritation and reddening of your skin and difficulty breathing. If exposed to the raw, unprocessed form of potassium metabisulfite, you should immediately seek medical attention.

Is the sulfite in sodium metabisulfite bad for You?

There are some studies that indicate sulfite can cause copper levels in the kidney to rise, but any sulfite you are getting from sodium metabisulfite has been diluted far more than what was used in the experiment.

Which is the most useful form of metabisulfite?

However, the most commonly used form in food preservation is as sulfites, mainly as sodium or potassium metabisulfite (Na2 S 2 O 5 ). Other useful SO 2 generating compounds are sodium sulfite (Na 2 SO 3) and sodium hydrogen sulfite (NaHSO 3 ).

Why is sodium metabisulfite used in hair care products?

As a food additive, it is used as a preservative. When used as a health product it is used most often in hair care products. A further common use of sodium metabisulfite is as a disinfectant. So, is it bad for you? Well, that depends entirely on the amount of exposure.

What are the effects of potassium metabisulfite in cells?

Potassium metabisulfite has been shown to produce limited chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchange, and micronucleus formation in human lymphocytes in tissue culture.