There are many sources of SOx that refers to all sulfur
oxides, the two major being sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide. Sulfur dioxide also
known as SO2 is a colorless gas with a strong, irritating odor and taste. The
major source of sulfur oxide emissions are dominated by stationary sources
mostly by electric utility fuel combustion, industrial processes such as
chemical preparation, refining, pulp making and solvent extraction, and also by
industrial fuel combustion. SO2 is also used in the preservation and
preparation of food, it prevents bacterial growth. The energy industry is
responsible for 81% of SOx emissions. Some natural sources of SOx consist of
volcanoes and hot springs. Man-made sources of SOx include gas processing, oil
sands production, coal combustion, ore refining, chemical manufacturing and
other fossil fuel processing and burning. Nitrogen oxide also known as NOx,
consist of nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide and nitrous oxide and is formed when
nitrogen combines with oxygen. NOx has no color, odor or taste and is nontoxic.
NOx emissions are dominated by non-stationary transportation related sources. Nitrogen
dioxide is a red/brown gas with a strong irritating odor; NO2 absorbs light and
leads to the haze or smog seen over cities. Natural sources of NOx are a result
of bacterial processes, biological growth and decay, lightning, and forest/
grassland fires. The primary source of man-made NOx is from burning fossil
fuels.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency
also known as the EPA it is stated that the “current scientific evidence links
short term exposures to SO2 ranging from 5 minutes to 24 hours, with an array
of adverse respiratory effects including bronchoconstriction with increased
asthma symptoms.” Being exposed to large quantities of SOx has its effects on
at risk populations such as children because their lungs are still developing
and they are more likely to have asthma, which can be caused by exposure to
SO2. The elderly or older adults may be more affected by exposure to SO2,
because they possibly may have pre-existing lung or cardiovascular disease.
Another group that has a higher chance of being affected is active people,
these are people of all ages who exercise or work outdoors who have higher
exposure to SO2 than less active people. Sulfur dioxide can irritate the skin, eyes,
nose, throat and lungs. Higher concentrations of sulfur dioxide can cause
inflammation and irritation of the respiratory system, specifically during
physical activity. The EPA also states that for NOx, “Current scienti People who spend time on or near major roadways
can experience short term NO2 exposures considerably higher than measured by
the current network. NO2 exposure concentrations near roadways are of
particular concern for some individuals, including people with asthma, asthmatic
children, and the elderly. NOx reacts with ammonia, moisture, and other
compounds to form small particles. These particles penetrate deeply into
sensitive parts of the lungs and can cause or worsen respiratory disease, such
as emphysema and bronchitis, and can aggravate existing heart disease, leading
to increased hospital admissions and premature death.
fic evidence
links short-term NO2 exposures, ranging from 30 minutes to 24 hours, with
adverse respiratory effects including airway inflammation in healthy people and
increased respiratory symptoms in people with asthma.” 
A relationship between lichen presence specifically between,
Physcia Millegrana and Candelaira Colcolor and, Sulphur Dioxide SO2 and
Nitrogen Dioxide NO2 levels. Areas with high sulfur dioxide and nitrogen
dioxide had low to non-existent levels of lichen present, and areas with low
levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide had high levels of lichen
present. SO2 and NO2 are good indicators
of airborne pollution; we can assume that areas with a high lichen presence
have better air quality than those with a low lichen presence.
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