Pungent, colorless gases (sulfates are solids) formed primarily by the combustion of sulfur-containing fossil fuels, especially coal and oil. Considered major air pollutants, sulfur oxides may impact human health and damage vegetation
California Air Resources Board ARB (California Environmental Protection Agency), glossary of air pollution terms, Sacramento, CA, USA 2013. http://www.arb.ca.gov/html/gloss.htm, (Air Pollut - Amer) {594}