How can a human produce sulfur dioxide?

Answer 1

Physiologically, nearly all the sulfur in our diet comes from protein, specifically the amino acids cysteine and methionine, and it is critical in forming the proteins that our bodies need. As protein metabolism actively builds and breaks down proteins and amino acids, excess sulfur in tissues or the gut will be oxidized to SO2 and eliminated in urine or as gas. SO2 has a distinctive "rotten egg" smell.

Externally, humans create SO2 by simply burning sulfur, a common contaminant in fossil fuels, particularly coal.

S + O2 --> SO2

Answer 2

A human can produce sulfur dioxide by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or gas, which releases sulfur dioxide into the air. Additionally, certain industrial processes like metal smelting and paper production can also produce sulfur dioxide emissions.