Applications:
- Disinfectant
- Refrigerant
- Reducing agent
- Bleach
- Food preservative
- Fumigant
- Glass industry
- Bulb industry
- Bleaching wool or straw
- Preparation of:
- Sulphuric acid
- Sulphur trioxide
- Sulphites
Sulfur dioxide, (SO2) is an inorganic compound which has a pungent, irritating odour and is a heavy, colourless, poisonous gas. It is produced in huge quantities in intermediate steps of sulfuric acid manufacture.
Exposure to Sulphur Dioxide may cause irritation to eyes, nose and throat.
Sulfur dioxide is used primarily as a preservative and sterilizing agent for dried fruits, some juices, and wine. It is also used in chemical manufacturing and as a bleaching agent for paper pulp. It is used in water treatment, as a fungicide and in the production of other chemicals. Sulfur dioxide is also used as a refrigerant and in fire suppression systems.
The affect of sulphur dioxide on the respiratory system, particularly on the lung system is quite harmful.
Sulphur dioxide is widely used in the food industry for its preservation and antioxidant proeprties. therefore is considered to be harmless in this sector.
Since sulphur dixode is water soluble, leaving the food item in warm water for a couple of minutes can be helpful to remove sulphur dioxide.
Exposure to Sulphur Dioxide over 100ppm can be considered to be very dangerous.
Sulphur dioxide is not considered good for human health. It is an air pollutant and at high concentrations can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. It's mainly used as a preservative for some processed food. People with sulfite sensitivity can have allergic-like reactions to it.
"Three common sources that give off sulfur dioxide are:
Sulphur is used for the treatment of acne, it acts as a keratolytic agent and also kills bacteria.
Exposure to sulphur dioxide could be life threatening, even 100ppm sulphur di oxide is very dangerous.
Sulphur in excess can cause brain cell death, and can lead to brain damage.
Sulphur is low in toxicity to humans,however indigestion of too much sulphur can cause stomach ache and diarrhea.
People with respiratory conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are most at risk for the health effects caused by sulfur dioxide. Long-term exposure to high levels of sulfur dioxide can lead to chronic respiratory problems, and can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions.
Sulphur dioxide is used as a preservatives so it is most likely to be found in dry fruits, pickles, sausages.
Sulfur is present in many foods and beverages, including coffee. However, it is not considered to be a major component of coffee and is found in trace amounts.