Sulfur Dioxide What Is It? Sulfur dioxide is also known as SO2. Sulfur dioxide is made up of two oxygen atoms and a sulfur atom fused together. SO2 is a colorless, extremely irritating gas or liquid. SO2 is also used in black gunpowder, matches and fireworks. How Does It Form? Sulfur dioxide is formed when fuel containing sulfur, such as coal and oil, is burned. Also when gasoline is extracted from oil or when metals are extracted from ores. Effects In Us And The Environment. Sulfur dioxide contributes to respiratory illness, particulary in children and the elderly, and aggravates existing heart and lung diseases.It also, contributes to acid rain which damages trees, crops, buildings, and monuments. It makes soil, lakes and streams acidic. What We Can Do To Reduce or Prevent Sulfure Dioxide. Most coal industries have an air scrubbers. Air scrubbers terminate the harmful gasses when extracted from resources, such as gasoline. All industries that produce harmful gasses should buy an air scrubber. The amount of sulfur dioxide in a home can be reduced by instaling a vent that leads outdoors. Using your car much more carefully can also reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide and other pollutants. Return to the top of the page