Sulfur has a wide range of uses in various industries. Some of the uses of sulfur are:
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Production of sulfuric acid: Sulfur is used in the production of sulfuric acid, which is the most important chemical manufactured by western civilizations. Sulfuric acid is used in the manufacture of phosphoric acid, to make phosphates for fertilizers, and in the production of sulfate and phosphate fertilizers.
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Pesticides and fungicides: Sulfur is used as a fungicide and in pesticides and herbicides. It is also added to natural gas supplies because of its distinctive smell, so that gas leaks can be detected easily.
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Rubber vulcanization: Sulfur is used in the vulcanization of black rubber.
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Preservatives and bleaching agents: Sulfites are used to bleach paper and as preservatives for many foodstuffs. Sulfur dioxide is used as a bleaching agent, solvent, disinfectant, and refrigerant.
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Skin treatments: Sulfur is applied to the skin for dandruff, acne, and skin redness (rosacea). It is also taken orally for many other conditions, but there is limited scientific evidence to support these uses.
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Fertilizers: Sulfur is an essential nutrient for plants and is taken up as sulfate from the soil by plants and algae. It is used to make phosphates for fertilizers.
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Other uses: Sulfur is used in matches, cement, glass, explosives, and oil refining. It is also used as a soil amendment or fertilizer.
Sulfur is a versatile element with many uses in various industries.