An Introduction to Acid Rain

Acid rain is rain that has been made acidic due to the chemical reactions between certain pollutants in the air. When industrial gas emissions, like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, combine with oxygen in the air and water droplets in clouds, they create acids. These acids that form inside the clouds then fall in small droplets that we call “Acid Rain”. Human activities are one of the main causes of acid rain, since most air pollutants that create acid rain comes from vehicles (which produce nitrogen oxides) and power stations (which produces sulfur dioxide).

Tim’s Works Cited

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Economist’s Solutions- Tim

            The only way to lower the many damages acid rain does to our economy is to reduce the huge amount of energy we are using.  As said before, Canada spends $285 each year to repair structures damaged by acid rain.  If we could decrease the amount of fossil fuels we burn, that amount spent on restoring would decrease as well.  Simple energy-conserving tasks such as taking public transportation or buying eco-friendly appliances can help to the reduction of the amount of fossil fuels we burn.  Doing these energy-saving tasks can also help reduce your fuel bill.  For example, in the UK 55% of an average fuel bill is spent on heating the house and 20% is spent on water heating.  However the heat generated is wasted since half of the heat escapes into the outside if a home is

Energy saving lightbulbs help decrease acid rain and cut costs

not insulated and since people usually overuse the heated water in their home.  If people stopped wasting the heat in their homes, their fuel bills can be cut while still receiving the heat that they require.  Also, people’s electric bills can be greatly cut if they used energy-saving light bulbs.  Only 5 % of the energy generated from an old incandescent light bulb is given off as light.  The remaining 95% is wasted as heat.  Although an energy-saving light bulb costs more, it has a higher efficiency and last for a longer period of time.  Lastly, people can reduce the amount of pollutant gases that are emitted into the atmosphere by using alternative means of transportation either than a car.  Walking, cycling, or taking public transportation can lower the amount of energy we consume and also help save money on gas.  If everyone contributes to the reduction of pollutant gases that cause acid rain, much of the money spent on repairing the effects of acid rain can be cut and many of our important and historical structures can be preserved.

Nancy’s Works Cited :D

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Sabrina’s Work Cited

Acid Rain Works Cited

Sabrina’s Solution For Acid Rain

The largest reason for acid rain is the burning of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels, when burnt, produce carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and very fine particulates. The last two compounds produced are directly related to acid rain. We can reduce these emissions by introducing emission control laws and utilizing emission control technology. A technology that can and is already being used in most automobiles, small trucks, and vans are autocatalysts. This piece of equipment converts harmful products into harmless byproducts. Another technology that more energy companies should start to use is the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology. It is a state-of-the-art technology which reduces nitrogen oxides from coal, oil and gas fired boilers. SCR technology is capable of reducing nitrogen oxides with an efficiency of up to 95%. As well, more emission control laws should be put into place restricting the amount of energy allowed to be produced.  These changes will help prevent rain from becoming more acidic.

An Autocatalyst used in cars

Acid Rain and the Air we Breathe

Acid rain itself does not affect the quality of air; however the particles in the air which cause acid rain are large contributors to pollution and global warming. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and Sulphur oxides (SOx), the main reasons for acid rain, can cause smog in the air. This smog creates serious health issues for people which already have underlying respiratory issues and can increase the risk of heart attacks for everyone.  The smog can also cause coughs, throat irritation, and possibly chest pain. In the most severe cases the pollutants in the air can cause onsets of colds or even pneumonia, and, in cases of extremely regular exposure, it has even been known to lead to cancer.

Smog cause by factories

Acid Rain and the Water We Drink

If acid rain contaminates water reservoirs, the water we drink will be polluted and therefore unhealthy and unsafe for humans.  When the acidic water goes through the pipes it will slowly corrode the metal leaching different metals into the water we drink. Some of the dangerous metals that can be introduced into the water supply include lead and copper.  The lead that is found in the water we drink can lead to sever nervous system problems. It can affect how the brain and nervous system develops for small children and hinder them from learning after the age of six.

The Effects Causes and Solutions to Lead Exposure

Acid Rain and Crops

When acid rain falls on farmland and crops, it damages the fruits and vegetables being grown. It is proven that acidic rain can damage the yield of radishes, beets, carrots and broccoli. This is because acid rain damages the waxy coating of leaves, allowing acidic material to diffuse into them. The acid interrupts the water, gas exchange therefore not allowing the plant to breathe. The plant then cannot produce the nutrients needed and cannot receive the water needed for sufficient plant growth.   Other vegetables that are affected by acidic precipitation are corn, potatoes, soy beans and lettuce.

Vegetation Affected by Acid Rain

The Cost of Repairing Structures Damaged by Acid Rain

Repairing the destruction of structures due to acid rain is costly.  Many ancient and significant monuments that are vulnerable to the corroding effects of acid rain need constant renovation.  Canada is currently spending $285 million annually to maintain the damage acid rain inflicts on its architecture.  In the UK, it is predicted that if sulphur dioxide emissions were reduced by 30% the country would save as high as 9.5 billion Euros in over 30 years.  The UK spends a huge amount of money restoring its numerous cathedrals.  Also, acid rain not only corrodes our buildings, but also our roads, highways and bridges.  The crumbling of these routes of transportation is a safety hazard and millions of tax dollars are spent to maintain the damage done to them.

Acid Rain’s Effect on Buildings and Architecture

 Acid rain damages the societal values of our buildings, structures and cultural objects. When an acidic raindrop falls onto a structure it eats into the metal and stone, dirtying its outward appearance and stability.  Acid rain causes materials made of metal such as bronze to rust quicker, the paint on buildings to break down, and stained glass windows to lose their beauty.   Soft building materials such as carbonate stones, limestone and sandstone are the most vulnerable to the dissolving effects of acid rain.  When a raindrop falls on the stone, the sulphate in the acid rain combines with calcium carbonate in the stone creating calcium sulphate.  The sulphated layers are then washed away by the rain exposing another layer of the stone.  This process is known as sulphation.  Statues, monuments and tombstones are all made of soft materials and require constant renovation.  The Taj Mahal, Roman Coliseum, York Minister Cathedral and the Statue of Liberty have all lost their beauty in recent years due to acid rain.

This Statue of Queen Victoria in Salford, UK has lost its beauty due to acid rain