Air Pollution causes
Acid Rain.
Scientists have discovered that air pollution from
the burning of fossil fuels is the major cause of
acid rain. The main chemicals in air pollution that
create acid rain are sulfur dioxide and nitrogen
oxides. Acid rain usually forms high in the clouds
where sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with
water, oxygen, and oxidants. This mixture forms a
mild solution of sulfuric acid and nitric acid. Sun
light increases the rate of most of these reactions.
Rainwater, snow, fogs, and other forms of
precipitation containing those mild solutions of
sulfuric and nitric acids fall to earth as acid rain.
The wind blows these acidic particles and gases onto
buildings, cars, homes, and trees. Prevailing winds
may also transport the compounds, sometimes hundreds
of miles, across state and national borders.
Acid Rains accelerates the decay of building
materials and paints, including irreplaceable
buildings, statues, and sculptures that are part of
our nation's cultural heritage. It also affects
sensitive bodies of water, that is, those that rest
atop soil with a limited ability to neutralize acidic
compounds. Further Acid Rain contributes to forest
degradation, especially in high-elevation spruce
trees that populate the ridges. Moreover, emissions
from fossil burning lead to the formation of sulfate
particles in the atmosphere. Sulfate particles
account for more than fifty percent of the visibility
reduction. Furthermore, Sulfur dioxide interacts in
the atmosphere to form sulfates aerosols and remains
in the air endangering public health.
(Source: Unido and Industrial
Sustainable Studies)
