Vääveloksiide

Vääveloksiide is the Estonian term for sulfur oxides. These are chemical compounds containing sulfur and oxygen. The most common sulfur oxides are sulfur dioxide (SO2) and sulfur trioxide (SO3). Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. It is produced naturally through volcanic activity and by the burning of fossil fuels, particularly coal and oil, which contain sulfur impurities.

Sulfur dioxide plays a role in atmospheric chemistry. When released into the atmosphere, it can undergo oxidation to form sulfur trioxide. Sulfur trioxide is a highly reactive gas that readily combines with water to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4). This process is a major contributor to acid rain. Acid rain can damage forests, lakes, buildings, and statues.

Sulfur oxides are also significant air pollutants. Inhaling sulfur dioxide can irritate the respiratory system, leading to breathing difficulties, especially for individuals with asthma or other lung conditions. Industrial processes that burn fossil fuels, such as power plants and smelters, are major sources of anthropogenic sulfur oxide emissions. Regulations have been put in place in many countries to limit these emissions through technologies like scrubbers, which remove sulfur dioxide from exhaust gases. Sulfur trioxide is less common as a direct pollutant due to its rapid reaction with moisture but is an important intermediate in the formation of sulfuric acid.