Chief Causes of Concern
SO2 contributes to respiratory illness, particularly in children and the elderly, and aggravates existing heart and lung diseases.
SO2 contributes to the formation of acid rain, which:
- Damages trees, crops, historic buildings, and monuments; and
- Makes soils, lakes, and streams acidic.
SO2 contributes to the formation of atmospheric particles that cause visibility impairment, most noticeably in national parks.
SO2 can be transported over long distances.
SO2 and the pollutants formed from SO2, such as sulfate particles, can be transported over long distances and deposited far from the point of origin. This means that problems with SO2 are not confined to areas where it is emitted.
Short-term Peak Levels
High levels of SO2 emitted over a short period, such as a day, can be particularly problematic for people with asthma. The EPA encourages communities to learn about the types of industries in their communities, an to work with local industrial facilities to address pollution control equipment failures or process upsets that could result in peak levels of SO2.