Identify the major adverse impacts of SO₂ on environment:
(A) acid rain
(B) global warming
(C) ozone layer depletion
(D) incidence of respiratory disorders

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is D

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a major air pollutant produced primarily from the burning of fossil fuels containing sulfur. Its major environmental impacts include:

Acid rain (A): SO₂ reacts with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid, which falls as acid rain. Acid rain damages plants, aquatic ecosystems, soils, and man-made structures.

Incidence of respiratory disorders (D): SO₂ is a respiratory irritant and can cause or exacerbate respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and other lung diseases in humans and animals.

SO₂ does not directly contribute significantly to global warming (B) or ozone layer depletion (C). Global warming is mainly caused by greenhouse gases like CO₂ and methane. Ozone depletion is mainly caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other halogenated compounds, not SO₂.

Therefore, the correct answer is (A) and (D) only.
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Information Booster:
SO₂ emissions primarily come from coal-fired power plants, industrial processes, and vehicle emissions.

Acid rain lowers soil pH, affecting nutrient availability and damaging forests and crops.

SO₂ exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, throat, and lungs, and worsen chronic respiratory diseases.

Acid rain also damages buildings, monuments, and statues, especially those made of limestone and marble.

SO₂ has a short atmospheric lifetime but significant local and regional effects.

Regulations like the Clean Air Act have helped reduce SO₂ emissions significantly in many countries.