Specific Air Pollutant

There are several specific pollutants that affect the quality of air that we breathe; one of these specific pollutants is sulfur dioxide.  Sulfur dioxide is let into the atmosphere by the combustion of fossil fuels at plants that create power, by other factories, and by using fuel that contains high amounts of sulfur.  The effects of this pollutant on human health are extreme- mild exposure can cause temporary breathing problems and more long-term exposure can long lasting respiratory effects, especially for asthmatics.  Sulfur dioxide particles can also bond with other particles and burry themselves in the lungs, causing or worsening respiratory diseases.

EPAs around the world are working together to create a list of ways to control emissions of this pollutant into the environment.  Factories and power plants are now placing monitoring devices at set points around the facility to see how much sulfur dioxide is being released into the environment.  There is also a comprehensive list of factories that emit SO₂ and the amount that they are emitting; the specific amounts will help environmental organizations formulate ideas on how to reduce the production and keep levels down.

 

Another idea is the use of alternative fuels, either biodiesel or ethanol.  The use of these fuels will not only reduce the emission of SO₂ in the environment but also promote the use of a renewable feedstock.  The use of alternative fuels will also help control other air pollutants that are being released into the environment.