ACID RAIN

Acid rain is caused mainly by sulphur and nitrogen emissions from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas burning) Emissions combine with water vapour, sunlight and oxygen to create a diluted soup of sulphuric and nitric acids These pollutants are transported by winds and do not respect international boundaries. Any type of precipitation can be acidic (rain, snow, hail etc)

Effects of Acid Rain Aquatic Life: Rivers and lakes become too acidic to support life, which disrupts the entire food chain and is especially intense in the spring when snow melts Vegetation: Removes waxy surface that helps plants resist disease and lowers reproductive rates (especially for trees) Materials: Corrodes vehicle finishes, stone monuments and the paint on buildings Economy: Fewer jobs in fishing, forestry and agriculture Health: Toxic metals go into our drinking water and are linked to asthma and other breathing problems