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Safety of Sulfur on Flowers & Animals

Sulfur is a common naturally-occurring element. In biblical times, sulfur was referred to as brimstone, partly because it was found in high concentrations near volcanoes and other geothermal sites. The common element is also found in meteorites, as the introduction of some of the earth's sulfur may be of extraterrestrial origin. Sulfur is part of the biological cycle, but high concentrations of sulfur-derived compounds can cause problems in the environment.

Sulfur
- Sulfur is the a non-metallic element that is located at number 16 on the periodic chart. It is also the 16th most abundant element on the earth. In its pure and natural form it exists as a yellow rock or crystalline structure. The molecular structure of sulfur is S8, as the element forms a ring with eight connected atoms. Pure sulfur naturally occurs in underground salt domes, and near geothermal hot springs and volcanic sites. This rock-like material is commercially used to make pharmaceutical supplies, gunpowder, tonics, matches and insecticides.
Sulfur Cycle
- Small amounts of sulfur are necessary to just about all plants and animals. Plants absorb small amounts of sulfur, when it is dissolved in the water. This sulfur, if the concentration is not too high, is then used as a vital ingredient in creating proteins and enzymes. When plants are consumed by animals, they digest the plant, break down the proteins to amino acids and then rebuild their own proteins that contain the original sulfur. Sulfur is then returned to the soil, when the animal excretes waste or dies.
Harmful Sulfur
- Pure sulfur in excessive amounts can be found near volcanic sites and hot springs, where poisonous fumes containing sulfur can harm vegetation and animals. However, the greatest danger of sulfur contamination is not always so obvious, for both low and excessive amounts of sulfur can cause health problems. According to the World Poultry website, excessive consumption of sulfurous compounds can be a problem in many kinds of poultry and birds. Among mammals, including man, both sulfur deficiencies and excesses can cause health problems. Sulfur deficiencies in the human population are not common, but when present, they may cause skin problems, muscle pains and inflammations. Certain plants, like canola, have a high sulfur requirement and may display poor growth, if they are lacking this essential element.
Acidic Rain
- Increased amounts of sulfur compounds, such as sulfates in the atmosphere, have been known to create an acidic rain that can damage stone and metal structures, freshwater aquatic ecosystems and even remote mountain forests. The main sources of the excess sulfur are man-made and may include the burning of coal as well as certain manufacturing processes.

Animals & Science