Miscellaneous
Fact-checked

At InfoBloom, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Types of Acid Rain Damage?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Acid rain is precipitation contaminated with highly acidic particles. It occurs both as a result of natural activity, such as volcanic eruptions, and the collection of man-made particulate matter and emissions in the atmosphere. According to many environmental experts and scientists, severe environmental and even structural damage can be caused by acid rain, leading many to call for updated emission standards that would reduce man-made acid precipitation.

When certain chemical gases such as sulfur dioxide, ammonium, or nitrogen are expelled into the atmosphere, they can combine with water molecules to create acid-heavy clouds. These clouds may be propelled by the wind and atmospheric changes, eventually releasing precipitation in the form of acid rain, snow, sleet, fog, or other types of precipitation. Damage is caused when the acidic nature of this precipitation mixes with whatever it hits, including soil, stone, plants, or water.

Acid rain has damaged famous structures like the Greek Parthenon.
Acid rain has damaged famous structures like the Greek Parthenon.

Acid rain damage takes many forms and can have many outcomes. Generally, the precipitation causes alteration to the pH balance of whatever it touches, resulting in changes to the chemical makeup. According to studies, these chemical alterations can have devastating effects on all types of ecosystems and may even pose danger to human health and civilization.

Steps have been taken to protect the Statute of Liberty from acid rain damage.
Steps have been taken to protect the Statute of Liberty from acid rain damage.

Nutrient depletion in soil is one common type of acid rain damage. As the acidic water compounds hit the soil, they can leach out vital nutrients that make soil fertile. Enough contamination can lead to patches of soil becoming unable to support life, cutting off the nutritional feed line to any plants in the affected area. The chemical compounds in the rain disperse in the soil, allowing the accumulation of harmful chemicals, such as aluminum, that can kill plants. From this point on, the destruction accumulates, as the resulting die-off of plants leads to diminished habitat and food sources for resident animal, bird, and insect populations.

Limestone can be particularly susceptible to acid rain damage.
Limestone can be particularly susceptible to acid rain damage.

Acid rain damage can also be extremely dangerous to water-based ecosystems. As the acidic water falls into a lake or stream, the pH balance drops and harmful chemicals, like aluminum and mercury, are released into the body of water. Many aquatic species are extremely sensitive to acid and cannot hatch eggs or survive in contaminated waters; additionally, increased acid levels may kill aquatic plants and micro-organisms, destroying the main food sources of many aquatic creatures.

Certain chemical gases combine with water molecules to create acid-heavy clouds.
Certain chemical gases combine with water molecules to create acid-heavy clouds.

In human society, some studies have linked high acid rain damage to cancers and other illnesses. This dangerous precipitation also can be extremely destructive to certain types of stone, such as limestone and marble, and has caused severe damage to many ancient buildings, bridges, monuments, and works of art. Acid rain damage has caused many governments to enact protective and restoration efforts to preserve national monuments, including the Statue of Liberty in New York, and the Parthenon in Athens.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a InfoBloom writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a InfoBloom writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Penzance356

I wish everyone would read more about acid rain and understand that most of the time this is caused by our behavior!

Making small lifestyle changes, such as using less aerosol products, or walking rather than driving are easy and effective ways to reduce pollution.

The day I bookmarked an 'acid rain levels today' website was the day I committed to raising awareness of what needs to be done to overcome this problem.

Valencia

@Windchime - You don't need to worry too much about your hair and skin. It doesn't work the same way as acid rain damage to buildings and cars.

What I remember from science class is that the acidity of this rain is around the same as lemons or vinegar. It's longer term exposure that does the real damage.

Windchime

What damage does acid rain cause to our skin and hair? Is it wise to take a shower straight after being caught in a rainstorm? It really freaks me out to think about it but I would rather know than pretend this isn't a problem.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Acid rain has damaged famous structures like the Greek Parthenon.
      By: Antonevich Anastasia
      Acid rain has damaged famous structures like the Greek Parthenon.
    • Steps have been taken to protect the Statute of Liberty from acid rain damage.
      By: Bastos
      Steps have been taken to protect the Statute of Liberty from acid rain damage.
    • Limestone can be particularly susceptible to acid rain damage.
      By: ihervas
      Limestone can be particularly susceptible to acid rain damage.
    • Certain chemical gases combine with water molecules to create acid-heavy clouds.
      By: Ioana Davies (Drutu)
      Certain chemical gases combine with water molecules to create acid-heavy clouds.
    • Acid rain can make the water in lakes and streams more acidic.
      By: Galyna Andrushko
      Acid rain can make the water in lakes and streams more acidic.
    • Sulfur dioxide gas floats up in the air and mixes with the droplets of water in rain clouds.
      By: powerzilly
      Sulfur dioxide gas floats up in the air and mixes with the droplets of water in rain clouds.
    • Industrial processes create particulate matter that can contribute to acid rain damage.
      By: dmitryelagin
      Industrial processes create particulate matter that can contribute to acid rain damage.