chemistry question #327

Eric Johnson, a 17 year old male from the Internet asks on January 31, 1998,

Q:

Is it harmful to inhale sulfur which has been heated?
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the answer

James Robert Bolton answered on January 31, 1998, A:

The burning of sulfur releases sulfur dioxide in the following reaction: S + O2 ---> SO2 SO2 is a pungent smelling gas that is VERY DAMAGING to lung tissue. The reason is that on contact with water, it forms sulfurous acid by the reaction: SO2 + H2O ---> H2SO3 So if you have inhaled a large amount of SO2, then you should definitely go to see your doctor or an emergency ward!

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