ASTM D2010/D2010M-98(2017)

5.1 Sulfur oxide gases are produced during the combustion of materials containing sulfur. These gases are precursors of atmospheric sulfuric acid, which has been shown to be injurious to living creatures and plants, as well as some inanimate materials such as metals, limestone and sandstone building materials.

5.2 Sulfur dioxide is moderately toxic and strongly phytotoxic to many species. Permissible ambient levels of SO_{5.3 When it is necessary to establish whether ambient air concentrations of sulfuric acid precursors, such as sulfur oxides, are present and to comply with legal criteria, manual and automatic monitoring systems specific for the individual sulfur species are used. Likely locations for monitoring sites for the estimation of concentrations and concentration trends over long periods of time can be screened conveniently using the PbO5.4 Atmospheric corrosion of metallic materials is a function of many weather and atmospheric variables. The effect of specific corrodants, such as SO2, can accelerate the atmospheric corrosion of metals or structures significantly. The PbO5.5 The results of these test methods are useful for characterizing atmospheric corrosion test sites regarding the effective average concentrations of SO5.6 These test methods are useful for determining microclimatic seasonal and long-term variations in effective average SO2 concentrations.}

5.7 The results of these test methods may be used in correlations of atmospheric corrosion rates with atmosphere data to determine the sensitivity of the corrosion rate to the SO_{5.8 These test methods may also be used with other test methods to characterize the atmosphere at sites at which buildings or other construction are planned in order to determine the extent of protective measures required for the materials of construction.}

1.1 These test methods describe the evaluation of the total sulfation activity in the atmosphere. Because of its oxidizing power, lead dioxide (PbO₂) converts not only sulfur dioxide (SO_{1.2 Test Method A describes the use of a PbO1.3 These test methods provide a weighted average effective SO2 level for a 30-day interval.}

1.4 The results of these test methods correlate approximately with volumetric SO₂ concentrations, although the presence of dew or condensed moisture tends to enhance the capture of SO_{1.5 The values stated in SI units shall be regarded as the standard. The values given in brackets are for information only and may be approximate.}