Toxic sulfur dioxide (SO 2) emissions have severe effects on human health and the environment, even in trace amounts. It is produced in huge quantities in intermediate steps of sulfuric acid manufacture.

It affects the lungs and at high levels may result in burning of the nose and throat, breathing difficulties, and severe airway obstructions.

About 99% of the sulfur dioxide in air comes from human sources.
Short-term studies show that sulfur is of very low acute oral toxicity and does not irritate the skin (it has been placed in EPA Toxicity Category IV, the least toxic category, for these effects). Answer (1 of 5): Elemental Sulfur is Non-Toxic to humans. When SO3 is exposed to air, it rapidly takes up water and gives off white fumes. Sulfur dioxide is considered to be safe; however, some people are sensitive to it, and it may even cause asthma symptoms in those who are predisposed. This gas can be a threat to human health, animal health, and plant life. The toxic effects of sulfur dioxide are derived wholly from its ability to directly irritate the eyes, the moist mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, and the lung. Frank, Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington State, commented during the 1977 hearing (NIOSH 1977m) that sulfur dioxide may not by itself be hazardous to the lungs but that an aerosol of sulfur dioxide and water or SO 2 oxidized to sulfate particulate may increase the toxic potential of SO 2 (Ex. Appearance: Colourless gas. Sulfur dioxide, inorganic compound, a heavy, colorless, poisonous gas.


Answer. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Organic farmers use it as a pesticide because it's non-toxic.

CAS Registry No. The main sources of sulfur dioxide emissions are from fossil fuel combustion and natural volcanic activity. An entry published on the open chemistry database Pub Chem reveals that the harmful chemical is commonly used as a preservative and as a disinfectant for food containers and fermentation equipment. Basis for revised IDLH: Based on acute inhalation toxicity data in humans [Henderson and Haggard 1943; Shupe et al. It is a powerful antibiotic and anti-fungal.

Sulfur dioxide (also sulphur dioxide in British English) is the chemical compound with the formula S O 2.It is a toxic gas responsible for the smell of burnt matches.It is released naturally by volcanic activity and is produced as a by-product of copper extraction and the burning of fossil fuels contaminated with sulfur compounds. Sulfur dioxide (SO 2) is a colorless, reactive air pollutant with a strong odor. Sulfur dioxide in the air comes mainly from activities such as the burning of coal and oil at power plants or from copper smelting.