The most accurate term for acid rain is actually “acid precipitation.” This term refers to acidic components in rain, snow, fog, dew, or dry particles. Distilled water has a neutral pH of seven and contains no carbon dioxide. Liquids with a pH under seven are acidic while liquids with a pH above seven are alkaline. Typically, unpolluted rain is slightly acidic with a pH of around five point six. This is because of carbon dioxide and water in the air which react to form a weak acid called carbonic acid. There are several pollutants which add the extra acidity in the rain. These are primarily nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides generated by vehicles and industrial and power-generating plants. (John Watson, “What is Acid Rain?”)

Specifically, sulfur dioxide emissions come from the burning of fossil fuels such as ore smelting, coal-fired power generators and natural ga

The damage to people from acid rain is not direct. The sources that cause acid rain are actually more dangerous to our health. However, because of the pollutants that cause acid rain, our lungs may be irritated or even damaged, making it more difficult to breath. These pollutants can also reduce visibility limiting how far we can see into the distance. (Lansing State Journal, “What are the effects of acid rain?”)

Life is not the only thing affected by acid rain. It has been also known to increase the rate of corrosion in buildings and can destroy, over a few years, building that have been around for decades. (Figure 1.9) Not only have bridges, skyscrapers and statues been affected, but important historic monuments like the Great Pyramids and the Parthenon have also been affected. The corrosion of these building is caused by a reaction between the acid rain and the building. In limestone, acidic water reacts with calcium to form calcium sulfate. (Figure 2.1) For iron, the acidic water produces an additional proton giving iron a positive charge. (Figure 2.2) When iron reacts with more oxygen it forms iron oxide (rust). (Figure 2.3) The cost of repairing these damages can be in the billions and will only provide a short-term solution. (Sarn Phamornsuwana. “Causes, Effects and Solutions of Acid Rain”)

Acid rain is also very harmful to animals, especially aquatic life. Acid rain affects entire food chains and has killed all life in many lakes around the world. Most aquatic species cannot tolerate high levels of acid in their water habitats, although some have a higher tolerance than others. (Figure 1.7) As the acid levels rise in rivers, lakes and streams, the numbers and types of plants and animals that live there decrease. It only t

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