Indicator: A-21 Concentration of sulphur dioxide in urban areas
Data
Highest daily maximum 1-hour sulfur dioxide concentrations for capital cities, 1991-2001
Source: Table A4.30 (p.244) of State of the Air Report
Highest daily average of sulfur dioxide concentrations for capital cities, 1991-2001
Source: Table A4.33 (p.247) of State of the Air Report
What the data mean
Most capital cities have shown a fairly steady rate of sulphur dioxide emissions and have met the National Environment Protection Measure standards for highest daily average and highest daily maximum over the reporting period, 1991-2001. Until 1996, Adelaide exceeded the standards but now falls below.
Data Limitations
Comparisons of historical data sets across the nation are difficult due to lack of harmonisation in network designs, and in sampling, analysis, quality control and reporting practices. In addition, discontinuities and changes in data collection and reporting practices can distort trend analysis results.
Issues for which this is an indicator and why
Atmosphere — Air quality - Urban air quality
Sulphur dioxide is formed when sulphur-containing fuels are burnt. Generally, the low sulphur content of fuels in Australia means that sulphur dioxide is not a pollutant of concern, particularly in capital cities. The major sources are power plants, refineries and smelters.
Exposure to concentrations of ten to fifty parts per million for five to fifteen minutes causes irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, choking and coughing. Exposure of the eyes to liquid sulphur dioxide from an industrial accident, for example, can cause severe burns, resulting in the loss of vision. On the skin it produces burns. Other health effects include headache, general discomfort and anxiety. Those with impaired heart or lung function and asthmatics are at increased risk. Repeated or prolonged exposure to moderate concentrations may cause inflammation of the respiratory tract, wheezing and lung damage.
It has also proved to be harmful to the reproductive systems of animals and caused developmental changes in their newborn. Even low concentrations of sulphur dioxide can harm plants and trees and reduce crop productivity. Higher levels, and especially the acidic deposits from acid rain, will adversely affect both land and water ecosystems. Atmospheric concentrations of sulphur dioxide are a direct indicator for this issue.
Other indicators for this issue:
- A-17 Concentrations of carbon monoxide in urban areas
- A-18 Concentrations of ozone in urban areas
- A-19 Concentration of lead in urban areas
- A-20 Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in urban areas
- A-22 Concentration of Particles PM10 and PM2.5 in urban areas
- A-23 Concentration of benzene in urban areas
Human Settlements — Liveability of human settlements - Air quality
Sulphur dioxide is formed when sulphur-containing fuels are burnt. Generally, the low sulphur content of fuels in Australia means that sulphur dioxide is not a pollutant of concern, particularly in capital cities. The major sources are power plants, refineries and smelters.
Exposure to concentrations of ten to fifty parts per million for five to fifteen minutes causes irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, choking and coughing. Exposure of the eyes to liquid sulphur dioxide from an industrial accident, for example, can cause severe burns, resulting in the loss of vision. On the skin it produces burns. Other health effects include headache, general discomfort and anxiety. Those with impaired heart or lung function and asthmatics are at increased risk. Repeated or prolonged exposure to moderate concentrations may cause inflammation of the respiratory tract, wheezing and lung damage.
It has also proved to be harmful to the reproductive systems of animals and caused developmental changes in their newborn. Even low concentrations of sulphur dioxide can harm plants and trees and reduce crop productivity. Higher levels, and especially the acidic deposits from acid rain, will adversely affect both land and water ecosystems. Atmospheric concentrations of sulphur dioxide are a direct indicator for this issue.
Other indicators for this issue:
- A-17 Concentrations of carbon monoxide in urban areas
- A-18 Concentrations of ozone in urban areas
- A-19 Concentration of lead in urban areas
- A-20 Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in urban areas
- A-22 Concentration of Particles PM10 and PM2.5 in urban areas
- A-23 Concentration of benzene in urban areas
- A-24 Concentrations of carbon monoxide in regional areas
- A-25 Concentrations of ozone in regional areas
- A-26 Concentrations of lead in regional areas
- A-27 Concentration of nitrogen dioxide in regional areas
- A-28 Concentrations of sulphur dioxide in regional areas
- A-29 Concentrations of Particles PM10 and PM2.5 in regional areas
- A-30 Concentration of benzene in regional areas
- CO-70 Examples or case studies of localised impacts of windborne dust and smoke
Further Information
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