sulfur dioxide
nounDefinition of sulfur dioxide
: a heavy pungent toxic gas SO2 that is easily condensed to a colorless liquid, is used especially in making sulfuric acid, in bleaching, as a preservative, and as a refrigerant, and is a major air pollutant especially in industrial areas
Examples of sulfur dioxide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For example, the lead and sulfur dioxide have dropped by double-digit percentages over the last two years. — Seth Borenstein, The Denver Post, "Trump administration fact check: Environment, VA, Russia and jobs," 13 July 2019 Kilauea’s eruption has also generated earthquakes and featured gushing molten rock, giant ash plumes and sulfur dioxide. — Barnini Chakraborty, Fox News, "Hawaii volcano creating blue flames from methane in cracked roads," 23 May 2018 The state claims the company exceeded limits for sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and other pollutants. — USA TODAY, "Glowing rock fight, Statehouse stash, hometown hero: News from around our 50 states," 15 July 2019 The other three, ozone, lead and sulfur dioxide, did decline. — Seth Borenstein, The Denver Post, "Trump administration fact check: Environment, VA, Russia and jobs," 13 July 2019 When humans burn fossil fuels, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are released into the atmosphere. — National Geographic, "Acid rain, explained," 12 June 2019 Last year, the coal plants emitted 32,492 tons of sulfur dioxide and 17,330 tons of nitrogen dioxide, according to federal records. — Michael Hawthorne, chicagotribune.com, "Illinois is moving away from coal, despite Trump bailout of struggling industry," 25 June 2019 Heavy polluters Incinerators release many air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, particulate matter, lead, mercury, dioxins and furans. — Ana Baptista, The Conversation, "Is burning trash a good way to handle it? Waste incineration in 5 charts," 20 June 2019 Officials say the elderly, parents of children and people with respiratory conditions should be aware that elevated levels of sulfur dioxide are possible. — Washington Post, "The Latest: Health authorities threaten US Steel shutdown," 17 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sulfur dioxide.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more