How does sulfur affect the environment

Trees are then less able to withstand low temperatures. Acid rain can also cause the deterioration of buildings and monuments. Volcanic eruptions can also inject volcanic ash and gases into the stratosphere. When sulfuric acid condenses in the stratosphere and forms fine sulfate aerosols, it increases the reflection of radiation from the sun back into space.

When Mount Pinatubo erupted on June 15, , it injected a million ton sulfur dioxide cloud into the stratosphere at an altitude of more than 20 miles. Find out about Acts, national policy statements, national environmental standards and other regulations we administer. What sulphur dioxide is and its effects on health. Usual levels in New Zealand and standards and guidelines values to protect human health.

Last updated: 29 September Sulphur dioxide is a colourless, soluble gas with a characteristic pungent smell which forms sulphuric acid when combined with water. Sulphur dioxide is produced mainly from the combustion of fossil fuels that contain sulphur, such as coal and oil eg, coal being burnt in a home fireplace for heating and diesel-powered vehicles.

Sulphur dioxide is also produced from some industrial processes eg fertiliser manufacturing, aluminium smelting and steel making. Sulphur dioxide can cause respiratory problems such as bronchitis, and can irritate your nose, throat and lungs.

It may cause coughing, wheezing, phlegm and asthma attacks. The effects are worse when you are exercising. People with asthma, particularly children, are sensitive to these effects of SO 2.

At high concentrations, gaseous SOx can harm trees and plants by damaging foliage and decreasing growth. Deposition of particles can also stain and damage stone and other materials, including culturally important objects such as statues and monuments.

Skip to main content. Sulfur Dioxide SO2 Pollution. Contact Us. Sulfur Dioxide Basics. What is SO 2 and how does it get in the air? There are all sorts of things that we can do at home, school, and in our local community to help minimise the harmful effects of pollution on our environment. Why not investigate ways in which you can take action every day to reduce the problems that polluting substances can cause people, animals and the environment?

More about reducing pollution. For more information about sulfur dioxide see Australia's sulfur dioxide emission report on the main NPIweb site. You will also find detailed information about the remaining 92 substances that the NPI tracks across Australia in the fact sheets on the main NPI web site. Skip to main content. Download Sulfur dioxide PDF - What does the National Pollutant Inventory do? Spike at the factory Where does sulfur dioxide come from? What about industry? What about the natural environment?