Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Sulfur dioxide is a gas that is released into the air when fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, are burned. It can cause respiratory problems and contribute to acid rain.
Related terms
Acid Rain: Acid rain is caused by pollutants like sulfur dioxide combining with water vapor in the atmosphere and falling back to Earth as acidic precipitation.
Air Pollution: Sulfur dioxide is one of the primary pollutants contributing to air pollution, which can have harmful effects on human health and the environment.
Fossil Fuels: The burning of fossil fuels releases sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, making it an important term related to this key term.