What is Sulfur Dioxide SO₂?
Sulfur Dioxide is a gaseous form of air pollution, made from two components- sulfur and oxygen. This forms when sulfur-rich fuels burn such as oil, diesel, or coal. Sulfur dioxide already exists in the air composition but due to its various natural and man-made sources, the SO2 concentration can rise, resulting in severe effects on humans, plants, and the entire ecosystem.
Sources Of Sulfur Dioxide Gas
SO₂ in the Atmosphere
Sulfur Oxides are present in the atmosphere at low concentrations. Most of it is by human activities including the burning of fuel and essentially ship fuel as it has a high concentration of sulfur. In urban areas, a high concentration of sulfur oxides is detected. The life of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere is less than a week during which it reacts with other atmospheric pollutants and forms various different compounds. When SO2 reacts with the oxygen present in the environment, it forms sulfur trioxide which dissolves with water vapor and forms sulfuric acid (H2SO4), a major acid rain component. It forms secondary pollutants like smog and particulate matter after attaching itself to dust particles which is quite harmful to the health and environment.
Health & Environmental Impacts of SO₂ Gas
Let's find out the harmful effects of sulfur dioxide gas on our health.
Health Impact
If there is a high concentration of SO₂, you can easily inhale SO₂, which eventually sticks to the membrane of the nose and respiratory tract. Its short health impact can be felt quickly but the long-term impacts are very dangerous even to the extent of reduced lung capacity. It results in difficulty in breathing and tightening of airways. People with comorbidities are at high risk as it can aggravate those conditions to a point of no return.
Eyes, nose, irritation
Cough, wheezing
Respiratory tract inflammation & irritation
Risk of asthma attacks increases in children
Heart diseases
Environmental Impact
The impact of SO₂ on the environment is beyond comprehensible. It limits plant growth and also damages leaves turning them yellow. At a high concentration in the atmosphere, it reacts with atmospheric moisture to create an acidic compound responsible for acid rain and damaging soil properties.
It damages and stains stones including culturally important monuments and statues.
Impact plant growth by damaging exposed tissues in leaves
Increased chances of acid rain
Affects the vegetation, growth of plants
Deteriorates leaves quality and color
Affects marine life by acidifying the water ways
Alters soil properties, agricultural land properties
Destruction of parts of lungs and inflammation in the airways in animals
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and the harm it causes
SO2 Levels and their health effects
0-40(mg/m³)
41-80(mg/m³)
81-380(mg/m³)
381-800(mg/m³)
801-1600(mg/m³)
1600+(mg/m³)
Corrective Measures To Reduce SO₂ Gas
For the solutions to contain so2 concentration, first we need to monitor it and identify the areas where its concentration doesn't meet the recommended standards. After identifying the target areas, some of the below mentioned corrective measures can be implemented:
– Promote sustainable energy sources synergistic emission reduction includes the usage of water energy, wind energy, solar energy, etc. instead of fossil fuels to reduce SO2 emissions.
– Alternative fuels like hydrogen cells, electrical, etc. This will help in reducing emissions from fossil fuel burning that emits SO2. Air pollution can be reduced substantially when we use alternative fuels.
– Accommodations away from industrial areas will help in reducing the effects of air pollution and harmful substances that can affect the residents, especially sensitive groups that live near industrial areas.
– Switch to a renewable source of energy such as solar, wind, and hydropower. Air pollution and economic growth go hand-in-hand. Using renewable sources of energy would be an economic approach to reducing emissions.
– Using zero sulfur content fuels in cars and other vehicles will help in reducing ambient air pollution. Reducing sulfur fuels will help in reducing tailpipe HC, CO, and NOx emissions.
– Avoid exercising during high-pollution days as when you work out you inhale more O2 than normal along with other air pollutants. This means you inhale more air pollution when you work out during high-pollution days.
– Installation of power plants with scrubbers. The smokestack scrubber helps in collecting harmful chemicals and toxins and then releases clean air into the atmosphere through the smokestack.
Air quality sensor to measure SO₂
Choose Your Air Quality Monitor To Measure SO₂ Gas
