SO2 gas reacts with atmospheric oxygen, water vapour etc. to form sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is strongly acidic in nature and harmful to living organisms. It comes down to the surface through acid rain and causes damage.
Harmful Effects of Sulfur Dioxide Pollution
(i) Eye irritation and respiratory tract damage in presence of SO2.
(ii) Asthma and other lung diseases occur due to the presence of excess SO2.
(iii) Sometimes SO2 produces killer smog which can even cause death.
(iv) SO2 disrupts ecosystem balance by forming acid rain.