What is the approximate range of exposure to SO2 that can result in excessive deaths if people are exposed to the pollutant for four days continuously?
What is the approximate range of exposure to SO2 that can result in excessive deaths if people are exposed to the pollutant for four days continuously?
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
9th Edition
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Chapter1: The Study Of Minerals
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1LR
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What is the approximate range of exposure to SO2 that can result in excessive deaths if people are exposed to the pollutant for four days continuously?

Transcribed Image Text:### Effects of Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) Exposure on Health
This graph presents a detailed analysis of the health impacts of varying concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) over different exposure durations.
#### Axes:
- **X-axis (Horizontal):** Represents the concentration of SO₂ in ppm (parts per million), ranging from 0.05 ppm to 10 ppm.
- **Y-axis (Vertical):** Represents the exposure time, ranging from 3 seconds to 1 year.
#### Key Zones and Health Impact Indicators:
1. **Taste and Odor Thresholds:**
- The taste threshold is marked just below 0.5 ppm.
- The odor threshold is marked slightly above 0.5 ppm.
2. **Colored Zones:**
- **Green Zone (top):** Represents increased cardiovascular morbidity, particularly noticeable at lower concentrations over longer exposure times (e.g., 1 year).
- **Blue Striped Zone (middle):** Indicates increased respiratory issues, ranging from changes in respiratory and pulse rates to increased death rates, at medium concentrations and shorter exposure times.
- **Gray Area (left):** Designates levels with little observed effect.
#### Specific Health Effects:
- At lower concentrations (around 0.1-1.0 ppm) over short exposure times (3 seconds to a few minutes), there is an increase in airway resistance.
- Prolonged exposure (8 hours to 1 day) at these concentrations leads to:
- Increased death rate in London (historical data reference).
- Health deterioration in bronchitis patients.
- Increased incidence of cardiorespiratory diseases.
- Extremely long exposures (4 days to 1 year) at moderate concentrations can cause increased hospital admissions and cardiovascular morbidity.
#### Data Points:
The graph includes specific data points marked by different symbols:
- **Red dots:** Morbidity in humans.
- **Yellow dots:** Mortality in humans.
- **Blue triangles:** Morbidity in animals.
- **Green triangles:** Mortality in animals.
This data indicates trends in morbidity and mortality rates in both humans and animals in response to varying SO₂ concentrations and exposure durations.
### Summary:
This visual representation highlights the adverse health effects of sulfur dioxide on humans and animals, emphasizing the importance of regulating SO₂ emission levels to protect public health. Prolonged exposure to even low concentrations can have significant health implications, from increased respiratory issues to cardiovascular diseases.
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