Sulfur Dioxide Essay ⋆ Environment Essay Examples ⋆ EssayEmpire

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Sulfur dioxide is a gas consisting of oxygen and sulfur. It is produced in natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions and also as a result of various industrial activities. The gas irritates the lungs and has a smell reminiscent of rotting eggs. The presence of sulfur dioxide in the air has negative health impacts and the production of acid rain as a result of the presence of the gas in the atmosphere has contributed to environmental degradation. Industrial processes release sulfur dioxide into the air and produce acid rain in remote locations, owing to atmospheric circulation. The acid rain falls on important forested areas leading to climate change.

The burning of coal, an inefficient process that releases particulates into the air, commonly causes acid rain. When the rain falls, its leads to the acidification of standing water and water sources on the ground. This has an impact on the local environment that may be long-term in nature, since even when levels of acidification are reduced, residual effects can remain. In countries such as China, where the use of coal for industrial purposes continues to increase, the prevalence of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere also increases. The presence of alkaline dusts and substances, which are often found in desert regions, can help to reduce the impact of acidification.

All forms of carbon-based fuel production, even those labeled “clean,” produce significant amounts of particulates into the air, including sulfur dioxide. Consequently, those who support sustainable development tend to oppose use of such fuels completely. Air pollution can lead to asthma and respiratory diseases that are estimated to cause approximately three million deaths per year. Up to one million excess deaths are caused by such pollution in Asia annually and up to half that amount in sub-Saharan Africa. It is very difficult to isolate the impact of sulfur dioxide from other atmospheric pollutants since they so often occur together, especially in cities that have multiple sources of pollution. The combination of sulfur dioxide with other particulates helps stimulate the prevalence of new diseases and syndromes, often those affecting the vulnerable urban poor.

Acid rain deriving mostly from British industrial activity harmed lakes in Scandinavia and had negative impacts on surrounding forests. Such events can have causal effects on subsequent climate change. Attempts to nullify the acid with massive application of alkaline agents may have unanticipated effects.

Bibliography:

Thorjorn Larssen et , “Acid Rain in China,” Environmental Science and Technology (v.40/2, 2006);
Kiran Pandey et al., The Human Cost of Air Pollution: New Estimates for Developing Countries (World Bank, 2003);
Michael G. Sanderson et , “Present and Future Acid Deposition to Ecosystems: The Effect of Climate Change,” Atmospheric Environment (v.40/7, 2006).