Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Gas Detectors

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a colorless, extremely toxic gas with a strong odor. Common applications of sulfur dioxide include sulfuric acid production, pulp and paper mills, chemical processing, food and beverage operations, and petroleum refineries. Because coal and petroleum often contain sulfur compounds, their combustion will generate SO2 unless sulfur compounds are removed before burning the fuel.

Talk to an Expert

Characteristics of Sulfur Dioxide

Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas with a characteristic, irritating, pungent odor. Sulfur dioxide is released when compounds containing sulfur, such as fossil fuels like coal are burned.

Sulfur dioxide is a highly toxic gas which poisons its victims via inhalation through the lungs. SO2 combines with water to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4). It is for this reason that sulfur dioxide can burn the respiratory tract upon inhalation. High doses of sulfur dioxide can cause death quite rapidly.

More about Sulfur Dioxide