Synonyms:

Sodium disulfite, sodium metabisulphite or sodium pyrosulphite

Uses:

It is used as a food additive, mainly as a preservative and is sometimes identified as E223. As an additive, it may cause allergic reactions, particularly skin irritation e.g. excema; gastric irritation and asthma. It is not recommended for consumption by children. It is present in many dilutable squashes. It is commonly used in homebrewing preparations to sanitize equipment. It is used as a cleaning agent for potable water reverse osmosis membranes in desalination systems. It is also used to remove chloramine from drinking water after treatment. In the brand Stump-Out, it is used in almost a pure form (98%) to cause degradation of lignin, creating pores for fuel adsorption, and consequently, ignition.