POLLUTION-CHINA.COM

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a chemical compound that is formed when sulfur-containing material or fuel, mainly coal and oil, is burned. Much of the sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere comes from natural sources, but the predominant sources can often be found in power stations burning fuels. Domestic use of coal can also lead to high local concentrations of SO₂, which is therefore of significant environmental concern.

 

SO₂ can have severe effects on human health.
Especially for asthmatics, even moderate concentrations may result in a fall in lung function.
At higher levels tightness in the chest, coughing and wheezing, gasping and shortness of breath occur as SO₂ can lead to tightened or constricted airways.
The seriousness of the threat from exposure to sulfur dioxide was underscored in a recent study of air pollution and daily mortality in residential areas of Beijing. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health and the Chinese Ministry of Public Health found a highly significant association between sulfur dioxide and daily mortality, estimating that the risk of total mortality increased by 11 percent with each doubling of the sulfur dioxide concentration.

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