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Natural Sources of Sulfur Oxides

Sulfur oxides help cause the greenhouse effect on the planet of Venus and on Io, one of Jupiter's moons, sulfur oxides are released from the burning of coals and petroleum fuels. With the increased use of fossil fuels, it increases the chances of the same impact on the atmosphere as that of Venus and lo. However, human consumption is not the only cause of sulfur oxides building up in Earth's atmosphere. There are natural sources of sulfur oxides as well.

  1. Atmosphere and Nature

    • Sulfur oxides are some of the natural components that make up the Earth's lower atmosphere. In the book, "Environmental Engineering," Nelson Leonard Nemerow reports that nearly half of the sulfur oxides in the atmosphere originate from nature. He writes, "Natural sources of sulfur dioxide, such as active volcanoes, the oceans, anaerobic emissions from decaying plants, fertilizers, and domestic animals, contribute to the problem. About half of all atmospheric sulfur worldwide is reported to come from natural sources."

    Rural Areas

    • Elmhurst College reports that in the atmosphere surrounding industrialized countries, human activities produce 95 percent of the sulfur oxides released into the atmosphere and only 5 percent comes from natural sources. The numbers are virtually reversed in underdeveloped countries with natural occurrences of sulfur oxides higher in less developed countries. Although these numbers seem to place the blame of sulfur oxide pollution squarely on human activity, G.S. Sodhi writes in the book, "Fundamental Concepts of Environmental Chemistry," that natural contributions account for the overall majority of the sulfur oxides released into the atmosphere. Human activity has received more attention because of the perceived threats to regional environment and the people who live there.

    Other Sources

    • Trace amounts of sulfur can be found in decaying food, raw materials and animals as well. When skunks spray their stench, sulfur is released into the air. Dying plants also release sulfur oxides. Rotten eggs release a minimal amount of sulfur oxides. Larger amounts of sulfur oxides occur when geothermal hot springs at the bottom of the ocean erupt and release sulfur oxides into the water. Hamilton County Environmental Unit reports, "Marine phytoplankton produce dimethyl sulfide (DMS) which is then oxidized to SO2 in the atmosphere; decay processes in soil and vegetation produce H2S (as one of sulfur compounds); and SO2 is emitted into the atmosphere by volcanoes."

    Health Concerns

    • Exposure to sulfur oxides can lead to health complications. In the "Handbook of Pollution Prevention Practices," Nicholas Cheremisinoff writes that these health complications include eye, nose and throat irritation, respiratory failures and cancers. Unfortunately, sulfur oxides are colorless and often can't be detected until they have already been inhaled. The CDC reports that most exposure to sulfur oxides is due to air pollution. People working with the processing and burning fossil fuels are also at risk for exposure. In the event of exposure, wash the person's eyes and skin with water and saline. Call for medical emergency assistance as the person many need respiratory support.

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