sulfur dioxide

Sulfur dioxide is a colorless, pungent gas primarily recognized as an environmental air pollutant and a common food preservative (E220). In clinical and respiratory research, it is utilized as a provocative challenge agent to assess airway hyperresponsiveness. Inhalation of sulfur dioxide induces rapid bronchoconstriction, particularly in individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The mechanism involves the stimulation of sensory nerve endings in the airway, which triggers a parasympathetic reflex-mediated contraction of airway smooth muscle. Clinical studies often use sulfur dioxide inhalation to evaluate the sensitivity of asthmatic subjects compared to healthy individuals and to investigate the impact of environmental triggers on respiratory function.

Other names

SO2SO-2SO 2sulfurous anhydrideE220E-220E 220