Sodium bisulfite is a sulfur-based substance that is primarily used as a preservative. Sulfites occur naturally in some foods and in fermented products such as beer and wine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the use of sulfites on produce after a government investigation of over 500 reports involving allergic reactions due to sulfite exposure. Despite its potential negative effects, sodium bisulfite continues to be used on food as well as other applications.
Negative Effects
Sodium bisulfite causes irritations when it makes contact with your eyes, skin or mucous membrane, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains. Sodium bisulfite exposure normally occurs through inhalation, ingestion as well as direct contact with your eyes or skin. The recommended first aid for sodium bisulfite exposure depends on the type of exposure. Irrigation of the affected area is recommended for eye or skin contact. Breathing fresh air is recommended for people that inhaled sodium bisulfite. Ingestion requires immediate medical attention.
Food Preservative
Sodium bisulfite is generally considered safe when used in accordance with designated manufacturing guidelines, according to the FDA. Sodium bisulfite is not used to preserve meats or food that has vitamin B-1, the Food Marketing Institute notes. Sodium bisulfite is also not used to preserve fruits and vegetables that are served raw. However, sodium bisulfite is used to preserve processed potatoes, dried fruits, dehydrated vegetables and shellfish.
Cosmetics
A 2003 issue of the "International Journal of Toxicology" published a study on the use of sodium bisulfite as reducing agents in cosmetic formulations. The study examined the safety of inorganic salts including sodium bisulfite for use in cosmetics such as hair straightening agents. The study involved the use of guinea pigs, rabbits and dogs. The animals were exposed to sodium bisulfite via ingestion, inhalation and direct contact. The results of the study showed that sodium bisulfite did not present a serious risk of toxicity. The use of sodium bisulfite in cosmetics is therefore purportedly safe.
Chemiluminescence
"Analytica Chimica Acta" published a paper in a 2006 issue that discussed the use of menadione sodium bisulfite in chemiluminescence. The paper discussed the effects of mixing menadione sodium bisulfite with luminol and potassium periodate after the luminol was oxidized by the potassium periodate for about a day. The results of the experiment showed that the degree of luminescence was directly proportionate to the concentration of menadione sodium bisulfite used. This suggests the potential use of sodium bisulfite in products such as emergency lights or light sticks.
References
- "Analytica Chimica Acta"; The Second Chemiluminescence Emission of Luminol-Periodate-Menadione Sodium Bisulfite System and its Analytical Application; B. Li, et al.; August 2006
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Sodium Bisulfite
- Food Marketing Institute: Sulfites
- "International Journal of Toxicology"; Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium Sulfite, Potassium Sulfite, Ammonium Sulfite, Sodium Bisulfite, Ammonium Bisulfite, Sodium Metabisulfite and Potassium Metabisulfite; B. Nair, et al.; 2003
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration; CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21; April 2010
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