Fairly large doses of sulfites can be tolerated since they are rapidly oxidized to sulfates, although if swallowed they may cause irritation of the stomach by liberating sulfurous acid. Experimentally, large doses of sodium sulfite have been shown to cause retarded growth, nerve irritation, atrophy of bone marrow, depression, and paralysis. They will react with water, steam, or acids to produce a toxic and corrosive material. When heated to decomposition they emit highly toxic fumes of SO_x.