DOESNT SULFUR GIVE OFF ENVIRONMENTALLY HARMFUL GASSES AND SMELL LIKE ROTTEN EGGS?
Sulfur is the 8th most common element on earth. Therefore, it is all around us. However, it generally occurs as a solid in the form of sulfides and sulfates. In solid form, sulfur does not smell or present a hazard. For example, gypsum, the white substance used in wall board is calcium sulfate. Aluminum sulfate is a useful industrial product. Iron Sulfide (fools gold) is a common occurring mineral. Only when it is in the form of a gas does sulfur present the smells and toxins with which people associate sulfur. In a solid form, sulfur is environmentally benign. In the aluminum/sulfur reaction, the solid sulfur is turned into a sulfate, another solid. The reaction initially produces aluminum sulfate. However, the sodium hydroxide electrolyte which drives the reaction, breaks down the aluminum oxide into sodium sulfate and aluminum hydroxide. Hence, no sulfur gas is released. The solid sodium sulfate can be disposed of in an environmentally benign manner. The aluminum oxide is refined ba
