Details - Public Health Image Library(PHIL)

ID#:

9486

Caption:

This historical photograph was provided by the Center for Disease Control's (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Reprinted from the February, 1951, “Industrial Hygiene Newsletter”. The image depicted an apparatus designed to measure sulfur dioxide (SO₂) concentrations in the air. This gas is naturally produced, as a byproduct of volcanic activity, but more importantly, is a byproduct of many industrial plant activities, where the combustion of coal, and various petroleum energy sources takes place. Sulfur dioxide released into the atmosphere, when combined with nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), gives rise to sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), whereupon, in the natural environment, gives rise to the formation of acid rain. In the industrial setting, SO₂ causes eye and respiratory tract irritation.

High Resolution:

Click here for hi-resolution image (4.45 MB)

Content Provider(s):

CDC/ Barbara Jenkins, NIOSH

Creation Date:

1950

Photo Credit:

Unknown

Links:

Categories:

CDC Organization