Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is severely irritating to the eyes, mucous membranes, skin, and respiratory tract. Bronchospasm, pulmonary edema, pneumonitis, and acute airway obstruction can occur. Inhalation exposure to very low concentrations of sulfur dioxide can aggravate chronic pulmonary diseases, such as asthma and emphysema. (united States Center for Disease Control (CDC) )
Sulfur dioxide can cause breathing problems in healthy adults at concentrations as low as 10 ppb. Above 10 ppb concentration SO2 is where acute exposure begins. The EPA set a one-hour health standard for SO2 at 75 ppb.
There is no way to determine how much of what chemicals Orleans Parish residents were exposed to, including sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, and benzene. The wind last night carried emissions from PBF Energy's refinery's flare west into Orleans Parish, away from the sulfur dioxide air monitor in the nearby Chalmette Vista neighborhood. Even if PBF Energy were able to chase the odors across town into Orleans Parish, the technology of the commonly used hand held monitors typically do not register levels of SO2 until concentrations reach very high levels.
Public Health Statements from the CDC on Sulfur Dioxide reveal yet another disturbing health disparity:
It is known that exercising asthmatics are sensitive to low concentrations of sulfur dioxide Therefore, increased susceptibility is expected in children with asthma, but it is not known whether asthmatic children are more sensitive than asthmatic adults Additionally, asthma occurs most often in African Americans, children between the ages of 8 and 11, and people living in cities For unknown reasons, the death rates associated with asthma are also higher in non-Caucasian people Therefore, it is expected that asthmatic, African American children living in urban areas have increased sensitivity to sulfur dioxide.
There are numerous studies which concluded effects of sulfur dioxide are enhanced by simultaneous exposure to ultra-fine particles (PM2.5), and nitrates (NOx), and sulfates (SO3), all which were likely present during this event.
According to the World Health Organization: Sulfur dioxide is a colourless gas that is readily soluble in water. Sulfuric acid is a strong acid that is formed from the reaction of sulfur trioxide gas (SO3) with water.
These sulfates (SO3) are said to be far more harmful than SO2.
" Sulfur dioxide causes irritation of the mucous membranes. This is probably the result of sulfurous acid forming when the highly soluble SO2 gas dissolves at the surface of the membranes. Groups that are especially susceptible to the harmful health effects of SO2 include children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung disorders such as asthma. When SO2 concentrations in the air become elevated, people in these sensitive groups and those who are active outdoors may have trouble breathing. Sulfur dioxide reacts with other gases and particles in the air to form sulfates, which also can be harmful to people and the environment. Sulfate particles are the major cause of reduced visibility in the ... United States: SO2 forms acids that fall to the earth in rain and snow. Better known as acid rain, this acidic precipitation can damage forests and crops, can make lakes and streams too acidic for fish, and can speed up the decay of building materials and paints."
http://njaqinow.net/App_Files/2017/SO2%202017.pdf
Lightening and other weather events happen. Plants can review their emergency shut down procedures and invest in technology to reduce emissions. Parish leaders should not spread disinformation about public health affects.
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