What gas is sulfur dioxide?
Sulfur dioxide (chemical formula: SO₂) is a common inorganic compound. It is a colorless, toxic gas with a pungent odor at room temperature. It is one of the main components of air pollution and a common by-product of industrial production and natural activities. The following will introduce in detail the nature, sources, hazards and prevention measures of sulfur dioxide.
1. Basic properties of sulfur dioxide

| Properties | value/description |
|---|---|
| chemical formula | SO₂ |
| molecular weight | 64.06 g/mol |
| melting point | -75.5°C |
| boiling point | -10°C |
| Density | 2.926 g/L (gas, standard conditions) |
| solubility | Easily soluble in water, forming sulfurous acid (H₂SO₃) |
2. Main sources of sulfur dioxide
The sources of sulfur dioxide can be divided into two categories: natural sources and anthropogenic sources:
| Source type | specific source |
|---|---|
| natural source | Volcanic eruptions, forest fires, ocean releases |
| anthropogenic sources | Fossil fuel combustion (coal, petroleum), industrial smelting, chemical production |
3. The dangers of sulfur dioxide
Sulfur dioxide has significant harm to the environment and human health:
| Harmful objects | specific impact |
|---|---|
| human health | Irritates the respiratory tract and causes asthma and bronchitis; long-term exposure may cause cardiovascular disease |
| ecological environment | Forms acid rain, destroys soil and water ecology, and corrodes buildings |
| climate change | Participate in aerosol formation, affecting atmospheric visibility and radiation balance |
4. Prevention and control measures of sulfur dioxide
To reduce sulfur dioxide emissions, countries have taken a variety of measures:
| Measure type | Specific methods |
|---|---|
| technical means | Flue gas desulfurization (FGD), use of low-sulfur fuel, exhaust gas treatment |
| Policies and regulations | Emission standard restrictions, carbon trading mechanism, environmental protection tax |
| public participation | Reduce the use of private cars, promote clean energy, and educate environmental awareness |
5. Recent hot topics: Global sulfur dioxide emission trends
According to the environmental monitoring data of the past 10 days, global sulfur dioxide emissions show the following trends:
| area | Emission changes | main reason |
|---|---|---|
| China | down 5% year-on-year | The proportion of new energy power generation increases |
| India | A year-on-year increase of 3% | Coal-fired power plant expansion |
| Europe | stable | Strict emission regulations remain in effect |
Conclusion
As an important environmental pollutant, the control and emission reduction of sulfur dioxide are important issues in global environmental protection. Through technological innovation, policy guidance and public participation, humans are gradually reducing their negative impacts on ecology and health. In the future, with the popularization of clean energy and the advancement of environmental protection technology, the problem of sulfur dioxide emissions is expected to be further alleviated.
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