This month's newsletter focuses on Sulfur Dioxide Protection Protection Against The Hazards of Sulfur Dioxide Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a colorless gas with a characteristic, irritating, pungent odor that is also liquid when below 14ƒF for many industrial applications. It reacts with water to form sulfurous acid and is highly dangerous in this state. Accidental exposure to sulfur dioxide in the workplace can have severe and life-threatening consequences if workers are not warned about the unexpected presence of this dangerous gas. SO2 is also a common airborne pollutant to which we are exposed at very low levels every day by breathing air in cities and some industrial environments. Higher exposure levels are more likely to be found in the workplace where it is produced as a by-product, such as in chemical refining, smelting and the combustion of coal or oil. Industrial workers can also be exposed to SO2 during the manufacture of fumigants, food preservatives, clothing, paper, bleaches and wine making. It can be ingested by eating preserved foods such as apricots and breathed in, harming asthmatics and other individuals sensitive to its effects. Upon entry, nose, throat and lungs may be affected. Read the full article, which provides detailed toxic gas monitoring and accident-prevention information. This just in: General Monitors now offers its sulfur dioxide toxic gas detectors in two measuring ranges: 0-20 ppm and 0-100 ppm.

Apple iPod Contest:. Be sure to visit our toxic gas micro site often and register to win the very popular Apple iPod nano. September is your last chance to enter for this quarter's drawing! Register here... Industry Briefs:. Sulfur Dioxide Gas Leak Injures 200 Nearly 200 people in China were sent to the hospital after being exposed to sulfur dioxide gas, which leaked from a fertilizer factory in central China's Hubei province, state media reported on September 4, 2006. Of the victims, 102 people have returned home, but the others remain hospitalized, the report said. Click here to read the full article... Studying Homeland Security Issues With a sense of urgency and opportunity, college campuses are adding homeland security as a new field of study and research. The Homeland Security Department, using a $70 million program, hopes to build a strong base of homeland-defense experts and a research network that can respond quickly to the changing threat. Click here to read the full article... Forward this Email Opt-Out Copyright © 2006 General Monitors, Inc. All logos, brand and product names are registered trademarks of their perspective owners. All rights reserved.