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What are Sulfur Emissions?

Sara Schmidt
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 10,601
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Sulfur emissions are gasses released into the atmosphere by power plants, factories, and motor vehicles. The primary component of these emissions is the chemical, sulfur dioxide, a colorless, nonflammable compound used in various industrial procedures, though it is also produced naturally by volcanoes. It is extremely irritating to humans, whether in gas or liquid form.

Sulfur dioxide is often used in wine making as an insecticide, a preservative, and as an anti-microbial disinfectant. It is also used as a dried fruit preservative, a refrigerant, a reduction or bleaching agent, a laboratory solvent, and in the production of sulfuric acid. Since sulfur dioxide is toxic in large quantities, it should always be handled by a professional, such as a doctor, scientist, or laboratory technician. If directed to use it within a classroom setting, a student should follow his or her professor's directions closely, when handling this potentially dangerous substance.

The combustion of petroleum and coal creates sulfur emissions, as they typically contain sulfur compounds. Since these compounds oxidize within the atmosphere, they can also react with water, creating acid rain. Both of these chemical reactions have been cause for health concerns, as their by-products are considered strong pollutants. They have been linked to heart attacks, asthma, and many other respiratory problems. Premature death has even been attributed to sulfur emissions.

These emissions have a strong environmental impact. The dark haze over many cities is often caused, in part, by sulfur emissions. The acid rain produced during chemical reactions between sulfur dioxide and water has been known to damage various ecosystems, including forests and farmlands. Some experts even warn that sulfur emissions are a greater danger than carbon emissions.

Some scientists claim that in a matter of weeks most of the sulfur in the atmosphere could essentially be eliminated by simply switching off all power plants. However, since the majority of emissions result from burning coal to produce electricity for human use, this solution is more difficult to implement than it seems. Nevertheless, scientists, in cooperation with governments worldwide, continue to work toward solving the problems that sulfur emissions create. Some proposed solutions include flue gas desulfurization, or chemically binding sulfur dioxide within power plants, using ferox as a fuel additive to lower emissions, and developing alternative energy sources, such as solar power.

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Sara Schmidt
By Sara Schmidt
With a Master's Degree in English from Southeast Missouri State University, Sara Schmidt puts her expertise to use by writing for About Mechanics, plus various magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She published her own novella and has other literary projects in the works. Sara's diverse background includes teaching children in Spain, tutoring college students, running CPR and first aid classes, and organizing student retreats, reflecting her passion for education and community engagement.
Discussion Comments
By burcinc — On Oct 18, 2014

The article has made a great point. Most people and environmentalists too, talk about carbon emissions and its ill effects on the environment. Sulfur emissions aren't talked about as much. I don't understand why.

Sulfur is actually a element found in many sources in nature. Even our body is in need of sulfur. But there are many types of sulfur. And when this element is burned or when it evaporates in air, it forms several different sulfur gasses that are very toxic and harmful.

I too believe that sulfur emissions is a far greater danger than carbon emissions. And environmental laws in the US need to be more strict with plants about their sulfur emissions.

By discographer — On Oct 18, 2014

I lived in the Balkans for a while after college. I was working with an NGO on a development project. One thing I can never forget is the amount of sulfur emissions in the atmosphere. In winter, practically everyone burned coal for heat. It was very cheap coal and during the winter months, there was a terrible smelling, thick black cloud constantly hanging over the houses. It was terrible to breathe and there were many times when I felt that I wasn't getting enough oxygen.

Some people are exposed to a constantly high level of sulfur emissions especially in the winter months in some countries. I can imagine that many lung cancer cases in the Balkans is related to his. That and cigarette smoking of course. As though the poison in the air wasn't enough, many people in the Balkans and Middle East are very interested in getting poisoned further by chain smoking.

By serenesurface — On Oct 17, 2014

Sulfur dioxide is toxic and yet it is used in food. I think that's very wrong.

Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
With a Master's Degree in English from Southeast Missouri State University, Sara Schmidt puts her expertise to use by writing for About Mechanics, plus various magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She published her own novella and has other literary projects in the works. Sara's diverse background includes teaching children in Spain, tutoring college students, running CPR and first aid classes, and organizing student retreats, reflecting her passion for education and community engagement.
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