Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is one of the more important air pollutants described in the literature, along with nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) [1]. Having in mind the fact that SO2 arises from both natural and industrial (fossil fuel combustion, smelting) sources, poisoning from this gas can be seen in both occupational and non-occupational circumstances [2] [3]. Several studies have confirmed its effect on human body, most notably on the respiratory system [1] [2] [4] [5] [6]. Namely, bronchoconstriction, as a result of an inflammatory reaction and irritation of the bronchial mucosa, is one of the principal effects of SO2, which may result in symptoms such as dyspnea, wheezing, and a cough, but also exacerbation of underlying pulmonary disorders, such as asthma [3] [5] [7]. In fact, reports indicate that SO2-polluted air might be one of the causes of increased prevalence of asthma in the pediatric population [8]. Mucosal hypersecretion is also described as an important symptom of sulfur dioxide poisoning [7]. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of SO2 might lead to more severe forms of respiratory injury, including pulmonary fibrosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) [3]. Cigarette smoking was identified as a risk factor for a more severe respiratory symptomatology [7]. In addition to lung-related symptoms, many studies have established a strong connection between increased mortality rates due to cardiovascular diseases and exposure to SO2 [5] [6] [9]. SO2 is known for its ability to disrupt neuronal signaling responsible for heart rate control and may result in tachycardia, although cessation of exposure to SO2 is sufficient to abolish its effects [4]. Because SO2 is a mucosal irritant, its harmful effect on the conjunctiva, the gastrointestinal tract, and even the skin, is also described.

• Inflammation

  Research has shown that the inflammatory response triggered is magnified in individuals with asthma due to their lack of sufficient interleukin - 10 (IL-10) needed to counter this type of inflammation and that these individuals have more bronchoconstriction [asthmaed.com]

  This adds support to the hypothesis that neurogenic inflammation may be an important mechanism for airway narrowing in asthma in response to inhalation of SO 2. [erj.ersjournals.com]

  Animals exposed to high concentrations of sulphur dioxide showed decreased respiration, inflammation of the airways, and destruction of areas of the lung. [health24.com]

  We speculate that prolonged exposure (in terms of months) to low level SO{sub 2} is one factor that might induce airway inflammation and bronchial hyperreactivity and predispose to episodes of more » asthma. « less Air pollution and asthma: effects of [osti.gov]

  High concentrations of SO 2 can cause inflammation and irritation of the respiratory system, especially during heavy physical activity. [nature.nps.gov]

• Fatigue

  By contrast, chronic exposures to sulfur dioxide lead to nasopharyngitis, fatigue, and disturbances of the pulmonary function. [chemicalbook.com]

• Cough

  Known for its effects of inducing bronchoconstriction after inhalation, patients principally report symptoms such as dyspnea and cough, whereas rare cases may progress to severe insufficiency. [symptoma.com]

  If you have symptoms such as coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath, seek medical attention. [healthlinkbc.ca]

  Tightness in the chest and coughing occur at high levels, and lung function of asthmatics may be impaired to the extent that medical help is required. [enviropedia.org.uk]

  Such effects include breathing problems, particularly in asthmatics, whereas short-term exposure can lead to chest tightness and coughing and wheezing. [sciencing.com]

• Headache

  Accordingly, under some conditions, complaints of headache and sleep disturbances attributed to hydrogen sulfide emissions may be well founded. [experts.com]

  Breathing air with more than 3% CO 2 can quickly lead to headaches, dizziness, increased heart rate and difficulty breathing. At mixing ratios exceeding about 15%, carbon dioxide quickly causes unconsciousness and death. [volcanoes.usgs.gov]

The diagnosis of sulfur dioxide poisoning might be challenging, especially in the absence of specific tests. For this reason, the physician and its ability to perform a detailed clinical assessment is the essential step in the workup. In the presence of undisclosed respiratory complaints, a complete patient history, including the patient's socioepidemiological data (living in industrial areas, or in proximity to factories or heavily polluted areas). The patient's occupancy (and to which substances is the individual exposed on a daily basis) must be assessed during history taking, as studies point to chronic low-dose SO2 exposure at the workplace as a very important source [3] [7]. Physicians must also identify whether undrelying chronic pulmonary diseases are present and if exacerbation of associated symptoms has occurred. Once the clinical evaluation is completed, pulmonary function testing (in the form of spirometry) and imaging studies (either plain radiography or computed tomography) of the chest should be employed [3], primarily to determine the optimal therapeutic strategy.

Treatment is urgently required. Transport to a hospital. Ingestion: Not applicable (gas). First Aid Comments: Some of the first aid procedures recommended here require advanced first aid training. [ccohs.ca]

1- Ore and metal refining 2- Chemical manufacturing 3- Wood pulp treatment 4- Sulfur dioxide content of disinfectant, refrigerant and in dried food preservatives 5- Cement manufacturing workers This gas contributes to respiratory illness, particularly [quizlet.com]

See also hydrogen sulfide poisoning. sulfur dioxide a poisonous gas liberated by some industrial enterprises, e.g. copper smelting, from silage to which sodium metabisulfite has been added as a preservative and in oldfashioned treatments for mange. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

Long-term studies surveying large numbers of children indicate that children who have breathed sulphur dioxide pollution may develop more breathing problems as they get older, may make more emergency room visits for treatment of wheezing fits, and may [health24.com]

More… Most Common: Power Plants Trash Factories Gas Station Wastewater Treatment/ Wastewater Air Pollution Agriculture Mines Fuel Industry Methanol Methanol is a highly toxic liquid that may explode when exposed to flames. [toxtown.nlm.nih.gov]

For a more complete discussion of the diagnosis and prognosis of RADS, the reader is invited to go to: http://toxicology.leadingexperts.com//rads.html. For a complete list of references, please contact Dr. Thomas Milby Dr. Thomas H. [experts.com]

In the author's experience, the term RADS is often used imprecisely to describe a host of pulmonary problems that bear little or no relationship, either clinically or etiologically, to the syndrome describe by Brooks and his colleagues. [experts.com]

It should be noted that there are a number of issues related to interpretation of the epidemiology literature. [canada.ca]

Information on the effects of exposure for longer periods (e.g. 24-hour) is obtained from epidemiological studies, which show associations between contaminants such as SO 2 and health impacts in communities and selected panels. [mfe.govt.nz]

The study was published online July 18 in the American Journal of Epidemiology. In their study, researchers used statewide birth data from 1998 through 2004. [livescience.com]

Prevent sulfur dioxide exposure in paper mills The U.S. [airsystems-inc.com]

[…] used as an antioxidant in pharmaceutical preparations; it is also an important air pollutant, irritating the eyes and respiratory tract. sul·fur di·ox·ide a colorless, nonflammable gas with a strong, suffocating odor; a powerful reducing agent used to prevent [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

[…] additive to wine to destroy molds, bacterias, and undesired wild yeast; to prevent formation of nitrosamines in beer in the malting process; and in producing highfructose corn syrups. [chemicalbook.com]

In addition, it is used in the preparation and preservation of food due to its ability to prevent bacterial growth and browning of fruit. [sciencing.com]

Sulfites, such as sulfur dioxide, not only help prevent foods from becoming discolored, they also discourage the growth of bacteria. Additionally, they can soften dough or bleach foods. [livestrong.com]

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