Sulfur doxide

SO2
Health effects:

The major effects of Sulphur dioxide are on the upper respiratory

tract. It also irritates the eyes. In high concentrations, edema of
the lungs or glottis and respiratory paralysis
can also occur.

Health effects from exposure to sulphur dioxide include:

6-12 ppm: nose and throat irritation occur
20 ppm: chronic respiratory symptoms occur
100 ppm: coughing, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat;

maximum concentration
150 ppm: may be endured for several minutes
400-500 ppm: life threatening
if breathing has stopped. Seek medical help
Contamination limits:

The 8-hour average limit for sulphur dioxide is 5.2 mg/m3

or 2 ppm
(The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996).

Properties:
Sulphur dioxide is colourless with an irritating, pungent,
strong suffocating odour.
The threshold for smell or taste is 0.3 to 1 ppm.

Origin:
Sulphur dioxide may be produced when blasting sulfide ores.
It is the main gas released from conventional copper and
zinc refineries.
Detection Methods:
An electronic gas detector or direct reading
colourimetric tube can be used to measure the
concentration of sulphur dioxide.

Treatment of affected persons:

Take the victim to fresh air. Give oxygen and
artificial respiration