It is an inorganic compound and sometimes referred to as di-sodium. When mixed with Sodium Meta-bisulphite releases sulphur Oxide (SO2), a pungent, unpleasant smelling gas that can also cause breathing difficulties in some people. It finds application in disinfectants, antioxidants and preservatives.As food additive, sodium meta-bisulphite is used as a preservative. The acceptable daily intake is up to 0.7mg/kg of body weight.As a sanitization/cleaning agent, it is commonly used in home brewing and making to sanitize equipment. It is used as a cleaning agent for portable water reverse osmosis membranes in desalination systems. It is also used to remove chloramines from drinking water after treatment.Sodium Meta-bisulphite is also used as an excipient in some tablets like paracetamol.