Acid Rain

Overview Over the past decade, acid rain has been transformed from a relatively unnoticed area of scientific inquiry into a major environmental issue of regional, national, and international concern. Acid Rain is rain with a pH less than or equal to 5. The pH scale ranges from 1 (acid) to 14 (alkaline), therefore 7 is neutral. Destruction is caused mainly from the reaction of the acidic rain and alkaline compounds such as marble. Thankfully, acid rain has decreased by an overall 61.2% since 1990.

Causes of Acid Rain Burning Fossil Fuels -Cars, Power Plants, etc. - Car emissions cause Nitrogen Dioxide -Burning coal causes Sulfur Dioxide When the fossil fuel emissions are released into the air, the reaction of atmospheric moisture and NO2 and/or SO2 creates Sulfuric acid and Nitric acid. More prominent in the Mid-West and areas of high population and industrial activity. The Prevailing Westerly winds cause the pollution from Southern parts to be carried to North Eastern regions.

Effects of Acid Rain The acid rain destroys the waxy coating on tree leaves, making them vulnerable to weather changes and can eventually kill them. Without functioning plants the CO2 levels would increase. Acid rain takes away the nutrients of the soil and leaves aluminum, which stunts the growth of trees. Acid rain affects people who have asthma, making them have even more trouble breathing. Over time it can become cancerous. Aquatic life is affected by the acidic water, and minerals get into water from the ground.

What You Can Do It’s never too late to start a change to help decrease the causes of acid rain. Every person that changes their habits contributes to a nation- wide change. Everyone is capable of small, yet effective changes. There is a potential for a strong legislature to make a required change to all parts of America.

Conserve Electricity Turning off appliances and electronics of your household is a quick and easy way to help reduce acid rain. -Reducing the amount of electricity used reduces the amount of electricity needed to be created by power plants.

Reduce Driving Keeping driving to a minimum or car pooling reduces the amount of Nitrogen Monoxide released into the air. – Alternative fuels such as E85 result in cleaner air!

Save Paper Conserve paper. – Sulfur Dioxide is a byproduct during the production of paper. – Reusing paper is a good practice.

Fossil Fuels… Reduce the use of coal, wood, or natural gas for heat or energy. – The use of fossil fuels is the root cause of acid rain. – One main problem is that everyday life depends on fossil fuels.

RECYCLE! Reusing materials means less manufacturing of new materials. – Most items used everyday can be recycled such as: Plastic Glass, steel, aluminum cans Paper Old refrigerators, heat pumps, and air conditioners Batteries Motor oil and tires Computer printers Compost And MORE!

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