Properties and Uses of Sodium sulfite: Reducing Agent: Sodium sulfite is a reducing agent, meaning it can donate electrons and prevent oxidation of other substances.  Antioxidant: Due to its reducing properties, it acts as an antioxidant, preventing spoilage and browning in foods.  Preservative: It's used as a preservative in various products like dried fruits and photographic developing solutions.  Water Treatment: It's used in water treatment to remove dissolved oxygen and prevent corrosion in boilers and other systems. 

Sodium sulfite Other Applications: It's used in the textile, leather, and chemical industries, as well as in ore flotation and oil recovery.  Hair Care: In hair care products, it can be used to modify hair structure and help maintain curls and waves.  Preparation: To prepare a 0.05% sodium sulfite solution, dissolve 0.05 grams of sodium sulfite in 100 ml of distilled water. 

Safety:

While generally considered safe at low concentrations, it's important to handle sodium sulfite with care. It can cause skin and eye irritation in higher concentrations. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress. Always consult safety data sheets (SDS) for specific handling instructions and precautions.