When is sulphur dioxide produced

Acid rain can damage forests and crops, change the acidity of soils, and make lakes and streams acidic and unsuitable for fish. Sulfur dioxide also contributes to the decay of building materials and paints, including monuments and statues. Most of the sulfur dioxide released into the environment comes from electric utilities, especially those that burn coal. Some other sources of sulfur dioxide include petroleum refineries, cement manufacturing, paper pulp manufacturing, and metal smelting and processing facilities.

Locomotives, large ships, and some non-road diesel equipment currently burn high-sulfur fuel and release sulfur dioxide into the air. In nature, volcanic eruptions can release sulfur dioxide into the air. Some dried fruits are preserved using SO2 to prevent discoloration of the fruit. SO2 is also used in bleaching materials and as a fumigant. In homes, sulfur dioxide gas can result from tobacco smoke, improperly or inadequately vented gas appliances such as stoves, ranges, furnaces, or clothes dryers , gas or kerosene heaters, wood or coal stoves, automobile exhaust from attached garages, and malfunctioning chimneys.

You can be exposed to SO2 by breathing it in the air or getting it on your skin. People who live near industrial sources of sulfur dioxide may be exposed to it in the air. You are most likely to be exposed if you work in industries where SO2 is produced, such as copper smelting or power plants, or where it is used in the production of sulfuric acid, paper, food preservatives, or fertilizers.

People with malfunctioning appliances or chimneys in their homes may also be exposed to sulfur dioxide. Most SO2 exposures are caused by people breathing contaminated outdoor air.

Therefore, limit your activities outdoors when you know that air pollution levels are high. A large number of coal-burning power plants concentrated in a small area led to dramatic air pollution.

Furthermore, "acid rain" also damages buildings and materials. In the atmosphere, sulphur dioxide reacts to sulphate particles, which contribute to the particulate matter load PM Limit values for sulphur dioxide for protection of human health were put into force on 1 January Here the annual tabulations from onwards can be found station-by-station. Other sensitive ecosystems and waterways are also impacted by acid rain. For additional information about the health impacts of air pollution in Minnesota, you can check out our most recent air quality report , or visit the Air quality and health webpage.

You can also sign up for air quality alerts and forecasts , and check out current air quality. The Clean Air Act regulates sulfur dioxide as a criteria pollutant.

The U. In and , the EPA reviewed the science related to the human health and environmental impacts of sulfur dioxide, respectively, and revised the NAAQS to reflect the most up-to-date information. The hourly primary standard sulfur dioxide emissions is currently 75 ppb and the three-hour secondary standard is ppb.