Acid Rain:
Acid Rain is caused by a chemical reaction between compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides when released into the air. These substances rise very high into the atmosphere, mixing with water and oxygen and other chemical to form more acidic pollutants. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides dissolve very easily in water and can be carried very far by the wind. Resulting in long traveling distances where it becomes part of the rain, sleet, snow, and fog. Human activities are the main cause of acid rain. Constantly releasing chemicals into the air through factories and the burning of fossil fuels. Some rain can be naturally acidic though. Human activities just worsen it. Damage to crops, trees, lakes, rivers, and animals can result from the washing away of neutralizing materials from acid rain. Acid rain causes acidification of lakes and streams and contributes to damage of trees at high elevations and many sensitive forest soils. In addition, acid rain accelerates the decay of building materials and paints, including irreplaceable buildings, statues, and sculptures that are part of our nation's cultural heritage. Walking in acid rain, or even swimming in an acid lake, is no more dangerous than walking or swimming in clean water. However, the pollutants that cause acid rain—sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)—do damage human health. Many scientific studies have identified a relationship between elevated levels of fine particles and increased illness and premature death from heart and lung disorders, such as asthma and bronchitis.
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