Which gas is a corrosive pollutant produced by burning coal and linked to industrial smog?

Which gas is a corrosive pollutant produced by burning coal and linked to industrial smog?

• A. Ozone
• B. Nitrogen dioxide
• C. Sulfur dioxide
• D. Carbon monoxide

Answer: (C)

Sulfur dioxide forms when sulfur-containing coal is burned. Its corrosive nature comes from reacting with water in the atmosphere to form sulfurous and sulfuric acids, especially when it mixes with droplets in polluted air. This creates sulfurous/acidic smog—industrial smog—historically seen in places with heavy coal use, and it also leads to acid rain that damages metals, stone, and vegetation. Ozone and nitrogen dioxide are involved in other types of smog and pollution pathways, but the classic corrosive pollutant linked to coal-fired industry and industrial smog is sulfur dioxide.

Sulfur dioxide forms when sulfur-containing coal is burned. Its corrosive nature comes from reacting with water in the atmosphere to form sulfurous and sulfuric acids, especially when it mixes with droplets in polluted air. This creates sulfurous/acidic smog—industrial smog—historically seen in places with heavy coal use, and it also leads to acid rain that damages metals, stone, and vegetation. Ozone and nitrogen dioxide are involved in other types of smog and pollution pathways, but the classic corrosive pollutant linked to coal-fired industry and industrial smog is sulfur dioxide.