A classic case: burning fossil fuels
releases sulfur dioxide gas into the air, which then turns into sulfuric acid aerosols.
Not exact matches
But it's also the by - product of fossil fuel combustion, and when a refinery or power plant reduces its greenhouse
gas emissions (by becoming more energy - efficient, for example), it also
releases fewer smog - forming chemicals like nitrogen oxides, less of the
sulfur dioxide and soot that can irritate lungs and cause respiratory disease, and fewer toxic emissions linked to cancer and neurological disorders.
When fossil fuels are burned they produce
gasses (most significantly carbon
dioxide, but others as well, including
sulfur dioxide) which are
released into, and pollute, the atmosphere.
Coal mining and power production
release toxic heavy metals like mercury, respiratory irritants like
sulfur dioxide and particulates, and large volumes of heat - trapping
gases like carbon
dioxide and methane.