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Criteria Pollutants    At a Glance    In Depth

Nitrogen Dioxide


Ozone


Carbon Monoxide


Sulfur Dioxide


Particulate Matter


Lead

 

Sulfur Dioxide - SO2
This gas is emitted by burning sulfur-containing fuels and is one of the major ingredients of smog and reduced visibility. Some sulfur dioxide and other sulfur oxides combine with oxygen to make sulfates, while others react with water vapor to form aerosols of sulfurous and sulfuric acid, one of the compounds in both dry and wet acid fallout.

Where
Sulfur dioxide emissions are produced by coal and oil-burning industries, refineries, utilities, chemical plants, pulp and paper mills, and nonferrous metal smelters.

Effects
High concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2) affect breathing and may aggravate existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease. SO2 also causes leaf damage to trees and agricultural crops. Other pollutants it produces decrease visibility and acidify lakes and streams.

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SO2 attacks the lungs

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