Understanding Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) and Its Impact on Health

What is Sulfur? Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is considered a pollution problem worldwide. SO2 isa colorless gas or liquid with a strong odor, which affects the human respiratory system and aggravates cardiovascular disease.  When SO2 combines with moisture in the atmosphere, it can form sulfuric acid.   

Where does it come from? Human beings cause the release of about one-third of all sulfur compounds in the atmosphere. SO2 is released when fossil fuels are burned (coal, oil, gasoline, and diesel fuel). Most SO2 is caused by stationary sources such as fertilizer manufacturers, power plants, refineries, wood and paper mills, metal smelters, and other industrial processes.  

 Most sources of sulfur dioxide contamination:

• Burning fossil fuels            

• Fertilizer manufacturers            

• Wood and paper mills

• Metal smelters                   

• Refineries                                   

• Powerplants

How can a person be exposed? Exposure to SO2 happens when people breathe in SO2 fumes from the air.  Living next to industries that generate SO2 will greatly raise a person’s risk of exposure.

Health effects caused by a short-term(a few minutes) exposure to sulfur dioxide: 

• Difficulty breathing          

• Irritation of the nose, throat, lungs           

• Coughing

• Shortness of breath        

• Fluid in lungs               

• Forms sulfuric acid in lungs

 When sulfur dioxide combines with moisture in your lungs, it can form sulfuric acid.

Health effects caused by long-term exposure to sulfur dioxide: 

• Temporary loss of smell        

• Headache         

• Nausea              

• Dizziness

• Irritation of lungs          

• Phlegm        

• Coughing       

• Shortness of breath

• Bronchitis                       

• Reduced fertility