Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

A colourless, pungent-smelling gas, which is liberated primarily as an unwanted by-product of the incineration of fossil fuels containing sulphur (coal and oil) and by various industrial processes (including the production of iron and steel, the manufacture of sulphuric acid and cellulose, and the processing of mineral oil).

SO2 is subjected to a number of transformation processes in the Atmosphere, as a consequence of which sulphurous acid, sulphuric acid, sulphites and sulphates can arise. SO2 mainly affects the mucous membranes of the eyes and the upper respiratory diseases. In plants, SO2 causes parts of the tissue to die as a result of the Decomposition of the chlorophyll. Also, SO2 plays a significant parts in the new manifestations of Forest Damage reported from around the world.