Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)
Why it Matters?
A pocket-sized SO₂ sensor developed by Indian scientists offers a low-cost, real-time solution to detect toxic air pollutants and safeguard public health.
What You Should Know?
SO₂ is a toxic gas and the primary indicator for sulfur oxides (SOx) in air quality standards.
Other SOx, like SO₃, are present in much lower atmospheric concentrations than SO₂.
SO₂ is mainly released from fossil fuel combustion at power plants and industrial units.
Other sources of SO₂ include metal smelting, volcanic eruptions, and vehicles burning high-sulfur fuels.
Short-term SO₂ exposure causes respiratory irritation and worsens asthma, especially in children.
SO₂ contributes to the formation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the atmosphere.
SO₂ and other SOx damage plant foliage and reduce vegetation growth.
SO₂ plays a major role in acid rain formation by producing sulfuric acid in the atmosphere.
SO₂ contributes to regional haze and reduces visibility, especially in national parks.
SO₂ particles can stain and corrode monuments, buildings, and culturally important objects.