Sulfur Dioxide
SO2 · Measured in ppb
About SO2
A colorless gas with a sharp smell produced primarily by burning fossil fuels containing sulfur. A major contributor to acid rain and fine particle formation. Concentrations have dropped dramatically since the Clean Air Act.
Sources
Power plants burning coal/oil, industrial facilities, volcanoes, ships burning high-sulfur fuel
Health Effects
Breathing difficulty, respiratory illness, aggravation of existing heart disease, acid rain damage to ecosystems
EPA Standards
| Annual Standard | 75 ppb |
| 24-Hour (Daily) Standard | 75 ppb |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sulfur Dioxide?
A colorless gas with a sharp smell produced primarily by burning fossil fuels containing sulfur. A major contributor to acid rain and fine particle formation. Concentrations have dropped dramatically since the Clean Air Act.
Where does SO2 come from?
The main sources of Sulfur Dioxide include: Power plants burning coal/oil, industrial facilities, volcanoes, ships burning high-sulfur fuel.
What are the health effects of SO2?
Exposure to Sulfur Dioxide can cause: Breathing difficulty, respiratory illness, aggravation of existing heart disease, acid rain damage to ecosystems.
What is the EPA standard for SO2?
The EPA has set an annual standard of 75 ppb and a 24-hour (daily) standard of 75 ppb for Sulfur Dioxide.