Important Acid Rain Facts

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Acid rain can be any form of precipitation of sulphuric and nitric acids. It occurs in the form of fog, snow and tiny bits of dry materials. It can be caused due to the eruption of volcanoes and rotting vegetation. However, the major cause of acid rain is the burning of fossil fuels by automobiles, factories and coal-burning power plants. When a fuel is burnt, different types of chemicals are produced. All cars, factories and power stations burn fuels. Therefore, they all emit polluting gases. Nitric and sulphuric acids are formed when some of these gases react with tiny droplets of water in the cloud. Rain from these clouds causes acid rains.

Major Acid Rain Facts

Acid rain may not be rain only. Depending on the temperature of a particular area, the rain can take the form of mists, snow and dry dusts. Acid rains on wet regions. But it takes the form of acid snow or fog on very cold areas. Dry regions get acid dust or acid gas. Here explains some interesting acid rain facts.

1. Impact on Forestation

Acid rain is not a phenomenon in a small area only. It can cause devastating effects from countries to countries and from continent to continent. It has major impacts on forestation and on crops. Trees in the forests are dying due to the effects of acid rains in several parts of the world. Acid rain damages the waxy protection of leaves, which is a major cause of the destruction of trees. Water is turned into gas during photosynthesis. But due to the impact of acid rain on plants, gas sleeps in to the leaves. So, plants stop the absorption of carbon dioxide and they starts dying.

Acid rain also deposits some toxic or harmful metals in the forest. Some of such toxic metals are copper, chromium, lead, zinc, etc. These metals adversely affect the growth of trees including algae, moss, and even nitrogen fixing bacteria. Acid rain destroys important nutrients in the soil that help plants to grow. Thus, acid rain destroys plants as well.

2. Impact on Water

Acid water is highly harmful to sea animals and it kills them completely. The dead sea-animals decompose and they remain at the bottom of the sea. This is also harmful to the water and its inhabitants.

3. Acid Rain Causes Serious Health Problems

Acid dust causes serious respiratory diseases in humans and animals. It can even cause premature death and even cancers. It also causes various health problems among healthy individuals as well.

4. It Corrodes Buildings and Statues

Acid rain is stronger enough to corrode even buildings and statues. They can also corrode marbles too. Therefore, the famous monument in India, the Taj Mahal is at greater risk.

5. It Damages Car's Paint

Acid rain damages painting work in a car. However, it is not stronger enough to melt a car.

6. Its Effects on River

pH is used for measuring acid. If the pH level is low, more acid in the rain. Acid rain changes the pH of water when it lands on rivers, lakes and streams. So, water become toxic and it becomes impossible for fishes to live in such water. Acid rain can even kill the entire lake. The pH level in pure water is at 7. When the pH level lowers from 7, the water turns toxic.

7. Winds can Spread Acid Rain to hundreds of Miles

Winds can spread acidic solutions across the atmosphere. It can even spread over hundreds on miles. When it reaches on earth, it enters in water systems and sinks into the soil as well.

8. Ecological Effects

Acid rain can also cause various ecological impacts as well. However, these impacts are not so serious.

9. Acid Rain can damage lungs of People

When people breathe acid air, it can damage the lungs of people. It also creates lung problem among children.

10. It Increases Temperature on Earth

Acid rain can also increase temperature on earth. If this problem is not curbed, it will raise the temperature by 2 to 11 degrees Fahrenheit.

Human activity is the major cause of acid rain. So, they need to take steps to curb this problem. Computers, lights and other appliances should be turned off after use. You can also use energy efficient electronic products, such as washing machines, refrigerators, heaters, air conditioners, lighting, etc. Acid rain can also be reduced by using public transportation, bicycle, carpooling or simply walking. A little care from each individual is essential for saving the planet earth and its inhabitants.

Jess Varkey

Some say he’s half man half fish, others say he’s more of a seventy/thirty split. Either way he’s a fishy bastard.

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