Understanding Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Sources of Pollution, Health Impact, and Knowing Safety Limits and Solutions
Sulfur dioxide is the main component, i.e., the primary pollutant in the air after carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide. Sulfur dioxide is also responsible for pollution. Through this article, we get to know more about how sulfur dioxide can be dangerous to industrial air pollution, its impact on workers, safety limits to reduce SO2, and important government regulations to cover the risk of SO2 in industries.
What is sulfur dioxide?
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a colorless, toxic gas with a strong, choking odor. It's a member of the sulfur oxide (SOX) family of chemicals, which are made up of sulfur and oxygen.
Sulfur Dioxide as a Pollutant
Sulfur dioxide has various sources of pollution; some of the sources are as follows:
Natural Sources
Sulfur dioxide is naturally generated through
Volcanic Eruptions
Artificial Sources
There are two types of artificial sources of SO2.
Industrial Sources
Other Sources
In industries, SO2 is generated through petroleum refineries, cement manufacturing, paper pulp manufacturing, and metal smelting and processing facilities.
Other sources of SO2 include locomotives, large ships, and some non-road diesel equipment that currently burns high-sulfur fuel and releases sulfur dioxide into the air.
Burning fossil fuels (coal and oil) for domestic heating is also a source of SO2
Highest Concentration Of SO2 In The World
In the global scenario, our country, India, has the highest concentration of SO2, followed by Russia, and China.
India is the largest emitter of SO2 in the world, contributing more than 21% of global emissions, mainly coming from coal-based electricity generation.
How are you exposed to SO2?
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.
SO2 Impact on Health:
The impact of SO2 on health consists of short-term and long-term impacts.
Short-Term Impact of SO2 on Health:
Exposure from breathing sulfur dioxide can cause:Burning of the nose, throat, and lungs
Difficulty breathing
Loss of smell
Headaches and dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Harm to the respiratory system: As an irritant, sulfur dioxide can affect lung function and cause and worsen respiratory diseases in humans and animals.
Exposure to very high levels of sulfur dioxide can be life-threatening.
Touching liquid sulfur dioxide can cause:
Frostbite
Irritation of the eyes:
Long-Term Impact of SO2 on Health:
Long-term exposure to sulfur dioxide can cause:Changes in lung function
SO2 emissions that lead to high concentrations of SO2 in the air generally also lead to the formation of other sulfur oxides (SOx). SOx can react with other compounds in the atmosphere to form small particles. These particles contribute to particulate matter (PM) pollution. Small particles may penetrate deeply into the lungs, and in sufficient quantity, they can contribute to health problems.
Bronchitis and shortness of breath
People with asthma may be sensitive to changes in respiratory effects due to SO2 exposure at even low concentrations. Sulfur dioxide is not classified as a human carcinogen (it has not been shown to cause cancer in humans).
Decreased fertility in women and men:
Continuous inhalation of SO2 affects fertility rates in women and men.
Solutions for SO2 Exposure at Industries
Safety measures taken by industries Include the following:
Use ventilation systems.
Use of ventilation systems like LEV (local exhaust ventilation) can reduce exposure to SO2 to some extent, which leads to an increase in air flow capacity in the work environment, which is very important for workers health.
Use of Extraction Systems:
Using extraction systems for air pollution control is the best solution to protect workers from high exposure to SO2-like pollutants, such as Filter Welding fume extraction systems, oil mist collectors, and dust collection systems will be very beneficial for industries to reduce the risk of SO2-like pollutants on workers health.
Use the government guidelines.
Using and following the government guidelines from time to time will surely reduce the exposure of SO2 in industries, and it will have a positive impact on society.
Here are some safety precautions for SO2 exposure, including:
Using personal protective equipment as required
Increasing ventilation in the area or moving a leaking container to a well-ventilated and secure area
Stopping or reducing the leak if it is safe to do so
Knocking down gas with fog or a fine water spray
Safety limits for SO2 exposure.
As per OSHA, the permissible safety limits for SO2 exposure are as follows:
In India, as per CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board), the SO2 Exposure limits are as follows:
If you want to know about other pollutants and their exposure limits, then click the below links to learn more.
To learn more about CO2 exposure and safety limits, visit here.
To know more about PM2.5 and PM10 exposure and safety limits, visit here.
To know more about formaldehyde, i.e., CH20 exposure and safety limits, visit here.
Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at Pune, Delhi, Bangalore, or Chennai locations.
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