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Sulfur in diesel fuel forms sulfur dioxide (SO2) and sulfate (SO4) particulate matter (PM) during combustion. These pollutants raise particulate levels including ambient fine PM levels. SO2 can affect the respiratory system and the functions of the lungs, and causes irritation of the eyes. Inflammation of the respiratory tract causes coughing, mucus secretion, aggravation of asthma and chronic bronchitis and makes people more prone to infections of the respiratory tract. Furthermore, when SO2 combines with water, it forms sulfuric acid; this is the main component of acid rain. In addition to these air quality and environmental impacts, sulfur in diesel fuel contributes to increased acid levels in the engine and causes serious damage on engine and emission control systems. The presence of sulfur in the engine exhaust limits the effectiveness of many exhaust after treatment technologies, resulting in higher emissions of other pollutants such as volatile organic compounds, particles, CO and NOx.