Sulfur Trioxide and Sulfuric Acid 5. Potential for Human Exposure

Sulfuric acid is a common chemical that is widely used in industry and is found in consumer products (e.g., car batteries, cleaning products). In the United States sulfuric acid is ranked number one in terms of production volume. Sulfur trioxide is a precursor to the production of sulfuric acid. Oleum (fuming sulfuric acid) is sulfur trioxide absorbed in concentrated sulfuric acid. Sulfur trioxide and sulfuric acid are sometimes released to the environment during production and use. Sulfur dioxide released during the burning of fossil fuels is also a major source of atmospheric sulfuric acid. In the atmosphere, sulfuric acid is generally in the form of small droplets, or it is adsorbed onto small particles. Sulfuric acid leaves the air through dry and wet deposition processes. Because of it’s widespread use, and the widespread release of sulfur dioxide, the potential for human exposure to sulfuric acid is substantial.