Treatment FAQ

what type of water treatment is best for sulfur dioxide

by Olga Heaney Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Ozone, chlorine, aeration, and peroxide injections are some common processes that are used to get rid of the sulfur smell by boosting the oxidizing properties of the water being treated. Liquid chlorination: Using 5% – 10% chlorine (over 6 mg/l) can effectively remove medium to a high level of sulfur in well water.Jul 19, 2020

Full Answer

What is the treatment for sulfur dioxide toxicity?

Sulfur dioxide is a severe irritant to the respiratory tract, eyes, mucous membranes, and skin. Exposure to high doses can cause pulmonary edema, bronchial inflammation, and laryngeal spasm and edema with possible airway obstruction. There is no antidote for sulfur dioxide. Treatment consists of support of respiratory and cardiovascular functions.

How do you get rid of sulfur in water?

The release of the water pressure and exposure to the air removes some of the sulfur compounds. Oxidation removes some of hydrogen sulfide gas. The process does produce the strong hydrogen sulfide odor near the aerator. Figure 3. Aeration releases hydrogen sulfide and provides an acceptable water supply for the household.

How to treat sulfur odor in well water?

How To Treat Sulfur Odors In Well Water 1 First Check For Water Smells in Cold & Hot Water. ... 2 Next Thing to Do: Test Your Water. ... 3 Sources of Hydrogen Sulfide. ... 4 Health Effects of Rotten Egg Odor (Hydrogen Sulfide Gas) High levels of sulfur odor (hydrogen sulfide gas) 100 PPM or over can cause sickness and death. ...

Which is the best sulfur water filter for well water?

Best Sulfur Water Filter Reviews. 1 1. AquaOX Sulfur Water Filter. Best Sulfur System. AquaOx RE Edition. Get Rid of Sulfur With Ease. AquaOx created its RE edition sulfur water filter ... 2 2. Springwell Sulfur Filter For Well Water. 3 3. Pentair Pelican Sulfur Filtration System.

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How do you remove sulfur dioxide from water?

Increase the water heater temperature to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for several hours. This will destroy the sulfur bacteria. Flushing to remove the dead bacteria after treatment should control the odor problem.

What water filter will remove sulfur?

Activated carbon filters at the tap or for the entire house can remove small amounts of hydrogen sulfide, so these are best for water in which the sulfur smell isn't too strong.

How do you remove Sulphur from water?

Shock your well with chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide to get temporary relief from sulfur odors. Often keeps odors away for 1 – 2 months. 2. Chlorinator: Install a chlorine injector system (chlorinator) on your wellhead for continuous injection of chlorine when the water is running.

Does a reverse osmosis system remove sulfur?

Sulfur Filter System Small amounts of sulfur can be removed from drinking water with a reverse osmosis filter or a granulated activated carbon filter, but neither method is very effective on its own.

Does reverse osmosis remove sulfur smell from water?

Reverse osmosis is suitable for removing sulphur odors as well as many other contaminants from small quantities of water, such as water to be used just for drinking and cooking.

Does a zero water filter remove sulfur?

Does ZeroWater Reduce Sulfide? YES! When tested in accordance with the NSF's protocol based on a 40 gallon filtration (double the rated usage), ZeroWater removes 55% of Sulfide from your tap water.

Can you filter sulfur out of water?

Small amounts of sulfur can also be removed from drinking water with a reverse osmosis filter or a granulated activated carbon filter, but neither method is very effective on its own.

How do you reduce sulfate in water?

How can sulfate be removed from water? Three types of treatment systems will remove sulfate from drinking water: reverse osmosis, distillation, or ion exchange. Water softeners, carbon filters, and sediment filters do not remove sulfate.

How do you make Sulphur water drinkable?

Chlorine bleach can effectively remove medium to high levels (over 6 mg/l) of hydrogen sulfide. The chlorine in the bleach chemically reacts with (oxi- dizes) the hydrogen sulfide eliminating the "rotten egg" odor. Chlorine bleach also reacts with iron or manganese, and disinfects water supplies.

Does a Brita filter remove sulfur?

I always use my Brita bottle in Disney. It works great for removing the sulfur-y taste.

Will a carbon filter remove hydrogen sulfide?

Carbon Filtration Activated carbon removes a variety of water contaminants, including hydrogen sulfide, by adsorbing the gas on the surface area of the carbon particles.

Will UV light get rid of sulfur smell?

Sam, that's a really good question, we actually have had that question asked quite a few times before as well and I can tell you unequivocally that UV- sterilization is not the way to get rid of hydrogen sulfide smell.

Can you filter sulfur out of water?

Small amounts of sulfur can also be removed from drinking water with a reverse osmosis filter or a granulated activated carbon filter, but neither method is very effective on its own.

Does a Brita filter remove sulfur?

I always use my Brita bottle in Disney. It works great for removing the sulfur-y taste.

What are the most common signs of sulfur in well water?

Aside from sulfur odors in your home, you may also notice black stains on your laundry, corrosion of your pipes, odors on clothing washed in water...

Will a water softener remove sulfur from well water?

Water softeners are primarily designed to reduce water hardness, and they can't be used for removing sulfate particles from water. In high-sulfate...

What is the best method of sulfur removal?

It depends on what you're looking for. Ask yourself what you want from a sulfate removal treatment. Do you want to exclusively remove sulfates? Per...

How often should I be testing for sulfates in wells?

Don't rely on the distinct sulfur odor to know it's present in your well. Low concentrations of sulfur may not give off odors at all, which is why...

What happens if my heater is the cause of the rotten egg smell?

Simple: replace the anode rod inside the heater with one made from a material that isn't magnesium, which won't react with your water and break dow...

Where can I find more advice?

For more information about your private well, speak to your region’s Department of Health or check out the department’s website online. If you have...

How to get rid of sulfur smell in well water?

Shock your well with chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide to get temporary relief from sulfur odors. Often keeps odors away for 1 – 2 months. 2. Chlorinator: Install a chlorine injector system (chlorinator) on your wellhead for continuous injection of chlorine when the water is running.

What is the best way to remove chlorine from water?

The precise dosage of chlorine or peroxide makes it easy to control. After the peroxide injection system, use a whole house carbon filter to remove any residual chlorine or peroxide residual in the water. The result is clean, fresh, disinfected, odor-free, chlorine-free water throughout your home.

What is the best way to get rid of rotten eggs in water?

ONE: If you have sulfur odor only in both cold and hot water, and no iron or manganese (rust, red or black staining) the best option is to use an Air Charger Carbon Filter with a peroxide cleaning kit (which comes as an option).

What is the purpose of magnesium rods in water heaters?

The magnesium rod used in heaters for corrosion control can chemically reduce sulfates to hydrogen sulfide gas (rotten egg smell) and may need to be replaced with a different type of anode. This odor can also be eliminated with the use of a Water Heater Odor Killer.

What should I test for in my well water?

For health-related issues, your well water should be tested for total coliform and e-Coli (fecal coliform). If infants and children will be drinking the water, a general mineral, metals, and a bacteriological test is recommended.

What should be included in a mineral water test?

The test should include analysis for pH, iron, manganese, hardness, total dissolved solids at a minimum. Other tests for sulfate, hydrogen sulfide, and tannin are recommended as well.

Is H2S a gas?

Usually, the gas can be detected long before it reaches harmful concentrations. H 2S is flammable and poisonous. H2S dissolved in water can corrode plumbing metals, such as iron, steel, copper, and brass, and exposed metal parts in washing machines and other water-using appliances.

How often should you test for sulfur in well water?

Low concentrations of sulfur may not give off odors at all, which is why it’s important to carry out testing on private wells once a year, according to the EPA. Aside from sulfur, you should also test for other contaminants that commonly occur in well water, including bacteria, iron and arsenic.

How much does it cost to test water for sulfur?

These tests are affordable, usually costing less than $20, and will indicate within minutes which contaminants are present in your water. Detecting sulfur water is easy – but identifying if ...

What is an oxidizing media filter?

An oxidizing media filter uses manganese dioxide to oxidize hydrogen sulfide gas, turning it into insoluble sulfur particles, which are then trapped in the filter media. This type of filter can also oxidize iron, another common well water contaminant.

How to get rid of odor in water?

The hydrogen peroxide reacts with the hydrogen sulfide and deoxidize s it, getting rid of the bad odor.

How to test for hydrogen sulfide in water?

If you’re testing your well water yourself, follow the test’s instructions and di p a testing strip into each water supply sample. Then leave the strips until they’ve changed color.

Can you use chlorine bleach to disinfect water?

Hydrogen peroxide and chlorine bleach can also be used to treat water containing high iron and manganese levels, and can disinfect water supplies. Rather than adding your own chlorine or hydrogen peroxide to every batch of water you plan to drink, you can use a chlorine chemical feed pump for your well.

Can hydrogen sulfide be used in water?

You shouldn’t have to put up with hydrogen sulfide in water, either, and there are plenty of ways to treat sulfur water. In this guide, I’ll be sharing how to test for hydrogen sulfide in your water, and, most importantly, how to remove it.

What is sulfur dioxide?

Sulfur dioxide is generally added to wine in the form of granular salts of metabisulfite or sulfite. The primary salt of choice used in the wine industry is potassium metabisulfite (KMBS). KMBS can be purchased at any local winery supply store.

How much sulfur dioxide is in KMBS?

Based on the fact that KMBS is made up of 57.6 percent sulfur dioxide, the addition of 1 gram (g) of KMBS to 1 liter (L) of water will equal 0.576 grams of SO 2 in solution. The concentration of this solution is 0.576 grams per liter (g/L) SO 2.

Can you add sulfur dioxide to wine?

Preparation of a liquid sulfur dioxide stock solution (in water) is also a possibility for wine additions. Solutions of 5-10 percent are commonly recommended and convenient for making several SO 2 additions to various wines at one time. Stock solutions should be prepared immediately prior to use, as they are not stable for long periods of time.

Is sulfur dioxide a hazardous material?

Caution: Sulfur dioxide is a hazardous material that can release toxic gases, especially when it comes in contact with acids or low-pH environments. Special handling and caution are advised. Be sure to consult the material safety data sheet (MSDS).

How long can you be exposed to sulfur dioxide?

Exposures of 50 to 100 ppm may be tolerated for more than 30 to 60 minutes, but higher or longer exposures can cause death from airway obstruction. Sulfur dioxide is heavier than air; thus, exposure in poorly ventilated, enclosed, or low-lying areas can result in asphyxiation.

How is sulfur dioxide released?

Sulfur dioxide gas is released primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels (75% to 85% of the industrial sources), the smelting of sulfide ores, volcanic emissions, and several other natural sources. It is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) priority air pollutant, but has many industrial and agricultural uses. It is sometimes added as a warning marker and fire retardant to liquid grain fumigants. Approximately 300,000 tons are used each year to manufacture hydrosulfites and other sulfur-containing chemicals (40%); to bleach wood pulp and paper (20%); to process, disinfect, and bleach food (16%); for waste and water treatment (10%); in metal and ore refining (6%); and in oil refining (4%). Toxic amounts of sulfur dioxide can be released from the preservative chemical metabisulfite in the presence of water and acid.

How to administer supplemental oxygen?

Administer supplemental oxygen by mask to patients who have respiratory complaints. Treat patients who have bronchospasm with aerosolized bronchodilators. The use of bronchial sensitizing agents in situations of multiple chemical exposures may pose additional risks. Consider the health of the myocardium before choosing which type of bronchodilator should be administered. Cardiac sensitizing agents may be appropriate; however, the use of cardiac sensitizing agents after exposure to certain chemicals may pose enhanced risk of cardiac arrhythmias (especially in the elderly). Sulfur dioxide poisoning is not known to pose additional risk during the use of bronchial or cardiac sensitizing agents.

What is the process of sulfur dioxide releasing sulfates?

Most of the inhaled sulfur dioxide is detoxified by the liver to sulfates and excreted in the urine. The bisulfite ion produced when sulfur dioxide reacts with water is likely to be the main initiator of sulphur dioxide-induced bronchoconstriction.

What is the chemical reaction that dissolves in water?

Sulfur dioxide dissolves in water or steam to form sulfurous acid. Liquid sulfur dioxide corrodes iron, brass, copper, and some forms of plastic and rubber. Many metals, including zinc, aluminum, cesium, and iron, incandesce and/or ignite in unheated sulfur dioxide.

What is the smell of sulfur dioxide?

At room temperature, sulfur dioxide is a nonflammable, colorless gas with a very strong, pungent odor. Most people can smell sulfur dioxide at levels of 0.3 to 1 ppm. It is handled and transported as a liquefied compressed gas. It easily dissolves in water.

What is the odor threshold for sulfur dioxide?

Inhalation is the major route of exposure to sulfur dioxide. The odor threshold is 5 times lower than the OSHA PEL (5 ppm). Most exposures are due to air pollution, and this has both short-term and chronic health consequences for people with lung disease.

What is the effect of sulfur on water?

Hydrogen sulfide in water can blacken silverware and discolor copper and brass utensils. Sulfur water makes cleaning clothes very difficult.

How much hydrogen sulfide is in water?

Generally, hydrogen sulfide occurs in concentrations of less than 10 mg/l (milligrams per liter), but occasionally amounts of 50 to 75 mg/l are found. Hydrogen sulfide is more commonly found in ground water supplies than in sur- face water. Hydrogen sulfide gas quickly escapes from surface water.

Does sulfur water corrode metal?

Using chlorine bleach in sulfur water reduces the cleaning power of detergent. Hydrogen sulfide in water also corrodes exposed metal parts in washing machines. Iron and manganese, often present with hydrogen sulfide, turn the water black and greasy-feeling.

Does sulfur water smell?

Effects of Sulfur Water. Sulfur in your water supply is easily recognized by its offensive odor. Hydrogen sulfide gas causes the "rotten-egg" or sulfur water smell. Hydrogen sulfide in water causes no known health effects. However, high concentrations do change the taste of the water.

Does bleach remove sulfide?

Chlorine bleach can effectively remove medium to high levels (over 6 mg/l) of hydrogen sulfide. The chlorine in the bleach chemically reacts with (oxi- dizes) the hydrogen sulfide eliminating the "rotten egg" odor. Chlorine bleach also reacts with iron or manganese, and disinfects water supplies.

Does chlorine bleach disinfect water?

Chlorine bleach also reacts with ir on or manganese, and disinfects water supplies. An automatic chlorinator (chemical feed pump) adds chlorine to the water sys- tem (Figure 2). A filtering system then removes the sulfur, iron and man- ganese sediment formed. A settling tank sometimes replaces the filter system.

Does aeration reduce hydrogen sulfide?

Aeration (adding air to the water), by itself, may not always reduce the hydrogen sulfide to non-detectable levels. However, the process sometimes reduces the hydrogen sulfide to acceptable amounts. An aerator is installed between the well and a non-pressurized water storage tank (Figure 3).

What is SO 2?

EPA’s national ambient air quality standards for SO 2 are designed to protect against exposure to the entire group of sulfur oxides (SO x ). SO 2 is the component of greatest concern and is used as the indicator for the larger group of gaseous sulfur oxides (SO x ).

How does SO 2 get in the air?

The largest source of SO 2 in the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels by power plants and other industrial facilities.

What are the health effects of SO 2?

Short-term exposures to SO 2 can harm the human respiratory system and make breathing difficult. People with asthma, particularly children, are sensitive to these effects of SO 2.

What are the environmental effects of SO 2 and other sulfur oxides?

At high concentrations, gaseous SOx can harm trees and plants by damaging foliage and decreasing growth.

Visibility

SO 2 and other sulfur oxides can react with other compounds in the atmosphere to form fine particles that reduce visibility (haze) in parts of the United States, including many of our treasured national parks and wilderness areas.

What is the effect of sulfur dioxide on the environment?

In addition, the concentration of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere can influence the habitat suitability for plant communities, as well as animal life. Sulfur dioxide emissions are a precursor to acid rain and atmospheric particulates.

What is the primary source of sulfur dioxide?

On both Venus and Mars, as on Earth, its primary source is thought to be volcanic. The atmosphere of Io, a natural satellite of Jupiter, is 90% sulfur dioxide and trace amounts are thought to also exist in the atmosphere of Jupiter .

What is the precursor to sulfuric acid?

Precursor to sulfuric acid. Sulfur dioxide is an intermediate in the production of sulfuric acid, being converted to sulfur trioxide, and then to oleum, which is made into sulfuric acid. Sulfur dioxide for this purpose is made when sulfur combines with oxygen.

What is the oxidizing agent in the Claus process?

It is oxidized by halogens to give the sulfuryl halides, such as sulfuryl chloride : SO 2 + Cl 2 → SO 2 Cl 2. Sulfur dioxide is the oxidising agent in the Claus process, which is conducted on a large scale in oil refineries. Here, sulfur dioxide is reduced by hydrogen sulfide to give elemental sulfur:

How much sulfur dioxide was used in 1979?

In the United States in 1979, 23.6 million metric tons (26,014,547 US short tons) of sulfur dioxide were used in this way, compared with 150 thousand metric tons (165,347 US short tons) used for other purposes. Most sulfur dioxide is produced by the combustion of elemental sulfur.

What temperature does sulfur burn?

The reaction is exothermic, and the combustion produces temperatures of 1000–1600 °C (18 32–2912 °F).

Is sulfur dioxide a good reductant?

Sulfur dioxide is also a good reductant. In the presence of water, sulfur dioxide is able to decolorize substances. Specifically, it is a useful reducing bleach for papers and delicate materials such as clothes. This bleaching effect normally does not last very long. Oxygen in the atmosphere reoxidizes the reduced dyes, restoring the color. In municipal wastewater treatment, sulfur dioxide is used to treat chlorinated wastewater prior to release. Sulfur dioxide reduces free and combined chlorine to chloride.

How to keep sulfides in water?

Sulfides can be kept in water phase by increasing pH, adding ferric or sulfide scavengers to the collection system. This is a quick fix, but does not solve generation of sulfides in anoxic/anaerobic zones.

What is the sulfur cycle in wastewater?

The Sulfur Cycle in Wastewater Systems 1 Sulfate Reducing Bacteria - these bacteria under anoxic conditions use sulfate as electron acceptor to degrade organics. If you have oxygen or nitrate in the system, sulfate reducing bacteria are outcompeted by harmless bacteria that obtain more energy using oxygen or nitrate as an electron acceptor. 2 Sulfur Reducing Bacteria - these chemotrophic bacteria obtain energy by reducing sulfur into sulfide. In most wastewater, these are less common than the Sulfate Reducing Bacteria that use sulfur as an alternative electron acceptor. You would find these organisms in mines, subsea volcanic vents, hot springs, and oil formations. 3 Sulfur Oxidizing Bacteria - chemotrophic bacteria with the metabolic ability to convert reduced sulfur species into sulfur and sulfate. While some species can use nitrate as the electron acceptor, most sulfur oxidizers require oxyen as the terminal electron acceptor. If taken to conclusion, you produce sulfuric acid (H2SO4). These are the well documented sewer corrosion bacteria that can form if a vapor phase H2S concentration reaches sufficient levels. In wastewater, Sulfur Oxidizing Bacteria (SOB) are vital to removing reduce sulfides. This does require alkalinity to buffer the system from pH drop. Common genera of wastewater SOB include Thiobacillus, Anwoodia, Paracoccus, and Thiosphaera.

What is sulfur oxidizing bacteria?

Sulfur Oxidizing Bacteria - chemotrophic bacteria with the metabolic ability to convert reduced sulfur species into sulfur and sulfate. While some species can use nitrate as the electron acceptor, most sulfur oxidizers require oxyen as the terminal electron acceptor. If taken to conclusion, you produce sulfuric acid (H2SO4).

How do sulfur reducing bacteria obtain energy?

Sulfur Reducing Bacteria - these chemotrophic bacteria obtain energy by reducing sulfur into sulfide. In most wastewater, these are less common than the Sulfate Reducing Bacteria that use sulfur as an alternative electron acceptor. You would find these organisms in mines, subsea volcanic vents, hot springs, and oil formations.

What is the color of sulfide in septic system?

This form of sulfide can bind with iron and give the dark gray to black color seen in septic wastewater. Sulfides are more soluble in water with a higher pH. Reduced sulfides in wastewater have a high chemical oxygen demand and are toxic to Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria (AOB) that are required for ammonia removal.

What is the most common form of sulfur?

Sulfate - one of the most common forms of sulfur found in the environment. Sulfate is used by plants and is an important micronutrient for life. Sulfur - the yellow powder or rock form of sulfur. Reduced Sulfides - often seen as S= or in analytical tests as Total Reduce Sulfides. This form of sulfide can bind with iron and give ...

How are sulfides formed?

Unless you have an influent source of reduced sulfides, most sulfide is formed in water under anoxic/anaerobic conditions that favor SRB growth. The best solution for sulfides forming in the system is to disfavor the growth of SRB.

How is sulfuric acid formed?

It combines with H2o in atmosphere to form the very strong acid ,sulfuric acid. at first , sulfurous acid is formed when So2 is passed through H2o. So2 + H2o = H2SO3. sulphurous acid is weackly dibasic acid. sulphur dioxide is a major component of acid rain since it mixes with vapour in the atmosphere reacting to produce H2So4 .

What is the pH of water?

When it falls to the ground it’s a type of precipitation called acid rain. Pure water has a ph of 7. Normal rain has a pH of about 5.6 (slightly acidic because carbon dioxide (CO2) gas dissolves in the rainwater, forming a weak carbonic acid.

Is sulfur dioxide soluble in water?

sulphur dioxide is very soluble in water. when water is added to sulphur dioxide ( i.e. sulphur dioxide react with water or rather SO2 is bubbled through water ) , H2SO3 is formed. that is a reason why SO2 is blamed as the key gas for causing acid rain.

Is SO2 a fictitious acid?

That's the equation you're expecting. SO2 is much like CO 2. They both dissolve in water and they both form fictitious acids. And like the nonexistent H2CO3, there are no molecules of H2SO3, either. What we call "sulfurous acid" is actually a solution of dissolve sulfur dioxide in equilibrium with some H+ and HSO3- ions.

Is H2SO3 a solution?

And like the nonexistent H2CO3, there are no molecules of H2SO3, either.What we call "sulfurous acid" is actually a solution of dissolve sulfur dioxide in equilibrium. The old question. The answer is similar for CO2. SO2 dissolves in water, but there is no evidence that H2SO3 exists in water (see Wikipedia).

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Description

  • At room temperature, sulfur dioxide is a nonflammable, colorless gas with a very strong, pungent odor. Most people can smell sulfur dioxide at levels of 0.3 to 1 ppm. It is handled and transported as a liquefied compressed gas. It easily dissolves in water. The liquid is heavier than water. Although sulfur dioxide does not burn in air, cylinders of...
See more on wwwn.cdc.gov

Routes of Exposure

  • Inhalation is the major route of exposure to sulfur dioxide. The odor threshold is 5 times lower than the OSHA PEL (5 ppm). Most exposures are due to air pollution, and this has both short-term and chronic health consequences for people with lung disease. Inhaled sulfur dioxide readily reacts with the moisture of mucous membranes to form sulfurous acid (H2SO3), which is a seve…
See more on wwwn.cdc.gov

Sources/Uses

  • Sulfur dioxide gas is released primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels (75% to 85% of the industrial sources), the smelting of sulfide ores, volcanic emissions, and several other natural sources. It is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) priority air pollutant, but has many industrial and agricultural uses. It is sometimes added as a warning marker and fire retardant to …
See more on wwwn.cdc.gov

Standards and Guidelines

  • OSHA PEL (permissible exposure limit) = 5 ppm (averaged over an 8-hour workshift) NIOSH IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) = 100 ppm AIHA ERPG-2 (maximum airborne concentration below which it is believed that nearly all persons could be exposed for up to 1 hour without experiencing or developing irreversible or other serious health effects or symptoms that …
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Physical Properties

  • Description: colorless gas at room temperature, colorless liquid when pressurized or cooled. Warning properties: pungent odor is usually adequate to warn of acute exposure. Most people can detect sulfur dioxide at levels of 1 to 3 ppm (1 ppm is equivalent to 2.62 mg/m3). Molecular weight: 64.06 daltons Boiling point(760 mm Hg): 14.0°F (-10.0°C) Freezing point: -99.4°F (-72.7°…
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Incompatibilities

  • Sulfur dioxide dissolves in water or steam to form sulfurous acid. Liquid sulfur dioxide corrodes iron, brass, copper, and some forms of plastic and rubber. Many metals, including zinc, aluminum, cesium, and iron, incandesce and/or ignite in unheated sulfur dioxide. Sulfur dioxide reacts explosively when it comes in contact with sodium hydride. Sulfur dioxide ignites when it is mixe…
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Health Effects

  1. Sulfur dioxide is severely irritating to the eyes, mucous membranes, skin, and respiratory tract. Bronchospasm, pulmonary edema, pneumonitis, and acute airway obstruction can occur.
  2. Inhalation exposure to very low concentrations of sulfur dioxide can aggravate chronic pulmonary diseases, such as asthma and emphysema. Certain highly sensitive asthmatics may develop bronchospasm...
  1. Sulfur dioxide is severely irritating to the eyes, mucous membranes, skin, and respiratory tract. Bronchospasm, pulmonary edema, pneumonitis, and acute airway obstruction can occur.
  2. Inhalation exposure to very low concentrations of sulfur dioxide can aggravate chronic pulmonary diseases, such as asthma and emphysema. Certain highly sensitive asthmatics may develop bronchospasm...
  3. Sulfur dioxide reacts with water in the upper airway to form hydrogen, bisulfite, and sulfite, all of which induce irritation. As a result, reflex bronchoconstriction increases airway resistance.

Acute Exposure

  • Sulfur dioxide dissolves in the moisture on skin, eyes, and mucous membranes to form sulfurous acid, an irritant and inhibitor of mucociliary transport. Most of the inhaled sulfur dioxide is detoxified by the liver to sulfates and excreted in the urine. The bisulfite ion produced when sulfur dioxide reacts with water is likely to be the main initiator of sulphur dioxide-induced bronchocon…
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Chronic Exposure

  • Chronic exposure can result in an altered sense of smell (including increased tolerance to low levels of sulfur dioxide), increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, symptoms of chronic bronchitis, and accelerated decline in pulmonary function. Chronic exposure may be more serious for children because of their potential longer life span.
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Carcinogenicity

  • The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) assigned sulfur dioxide to Group 3, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.
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