Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a colorless toxic gas with the chemical formula SO2. It is one of the common air pollutants, and it is also one of the waste gases in many industrial processes such as metallurgy, coal burning and chemical industry. In addition, it is also a gas released by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and other earth activities.
Sulfur dioxide is irritating and corrosive, and easily reacts with air and water to generate harmful substances such as sulfuric acid. So it is harmful to human body and environment. Long-term exposure to sulfur dioxide may cause problems in eyes, nose, throat and respiratory system, and may also affect the atmosphere, water and soil, leading to acid rain and soil acidification.
Sulfur dioxide is a kind of toxic gas, which has a certain harmful effect. In environmental management, measures should be taken to control and reduce the emission of sulfur dioxide. The following are possible dangers:
1. Effects on human health: Long-term exposure to high-concentration sulfur dioxide can easily cause problems in respiratory system, eyes, nose, throat and skin. Such as shortness of breath, asthma, cough, headache and other symptoms, through inhalation, may also cause irreversible damage to the lungs.
2. Impact on the environment: Sulfur dioxide reacts with air and water, which can produce harmful substances such as sulfuric acid fog and acid rain, causing environmental problems such as soil acidification and water pollution.
3. Damage to buildings: Sulfur dioxide reacts with water vapor to generate sulfuric acid, which will cause corrosion and damage to buildings, copper, lead and other metals and their alloys.
4. Potential safety hazard: Sulfur dioxide is an explosive gas, which will burn or explode in case of fire or high temperature and needs to be properly controlled and treated.
Some important applications of sulfur dioxide
1, chemical industry: used as raw materials for various chemical syntheses, such as the production of sulfuric acid, dyes and medicines.
2. Food industry: Sulfur dioxide is a food preservative and bleaching agent, which can be used for the preservation of yogurt, raisins, dates and preserves.
3. Grain storage: Sulfur dioxide can be used as pesticide and fungal inhibitor during grain storage.
4. Tap water purification: Sulfur dioxide is an important disinfectant and oxidant in tap water purification.
5. Paint-making and printing and dyeing industries: Sulfur dioxide is the most commonly used bleaching agent, which is widely used in the bleaching and printing and dyeing of paper and fabrics.