Definition

Sodium bisulfate is a harmful acid that can harm you if it is swallowed, breathed in, or touched.

Poisonous Ingredient

Sodium bisulfate

Where Found

  • Leather tanning agents
  • Photography materials
  • Some food preservatives

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Symptoms from swallowing this poison may include:

  • Asphyxiation (death due to inability to breathe) from swelling in the throat
  • Burning pain in the mouth
  • Diarrhea
  • Brown discoloration around the mouth
  • Vomiting
  • Severe low blood pressure

Symptoms due to touching this poison may include:

  • Pain
  • Brownish stains where the acid touched the skin

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. DO NOT give water or milk if the patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

  • Patient's age, weight, and condition
  • Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
  • Time it was swallowed
  • Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:

  • Medicines to treat symptoms
  • Activated charcoal
  • Methods to dilute the acid

Expectations (prognosis)

Damage to the esophagus may occur as late as 2 to 3 weeks after swallowing the poison. Death may occur up to 1 month after swallowing the poison. Those who recover may have continued stomach or esophagus problems.

Review Date:1/19/2007
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.