Know About Acid Rain

It’s when water and oxygen in normal precipitation mix with compounds such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere. The chemical reaction turns clean rain -- which is naturally acidi The acids produced in the acid rain can fall near the original source of pollution. Winds can also blow contaminated dust in the atmosphere even farther and it can fall there, blanketing more areas.c -- dangerously so. Scientists measure acidity on the pH scale from 0 to 14. Water with a pH of 7 is neutral. Battery acid is most acidic with a pH of 0. Liquid drain cleaner falls on the other end of the scale, called basic, with a pH of 14. Acid rain comes in two forms: Wet. The compounds turn into acids in the atmosphere and fall down as rain, sleet, snow, fog, or hail. Dry. This is when compounds produce acids and float down to the ground as dust and gas. Future rains can spread them even more. You can also breathe it in. Much of the acids originate from power plants that burn coal, oil, and other fossil fuel to generate electricity, as well as from exhaust from gasoline-powered vehicles. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides cIf you’re exposed to high concentrations of nitric and sulfuric acid -- especially over time -- it can cause these problems: Irritation to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes can come from contact with one or both acids. Fluid in lungs, or pulmonary edema, can happen if you breathe in nitric acid. Dental erosion. Both acids can wear down the enamel on your teeth. The compounds released from burning fossil fuels (before they turn into acids) can cause: Respiratory illnesses like chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma. (Acid rain chemicals can make existing respiratory ailments worse, too.) Cardiovascular problems, such as worsening existing heart disease. Lower birth weight, which might affect a child’s growth and development. Lung cancer. Pollution can cause cell mutations that can become cancerous.an travel high into the atmosphere. When the emissions combine with precipitation, they turn into harmful sulfuric and nitric acids. Sometimes, the earth releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides naturally, like when a volcano or geyser erupts. The acids produced in the acid rain can fall near the original source of pollution. Winds can also blow contaminated dust in the atmosphere even farther and it can fall there, blanketing more areas. If you’re exposed to high concentrations of nitric and sulfuric acid -- especially over time -- it can cause these problems: Irritation to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes can come from contact with one or both acids. Fluid in lungs, or pulmonary edema, can happen if you breathe in nitric acid. Dental erosion. Both acids can wear down the enamel on your teeth. The compounds released from burning fossil fuels (before they turn into acids) can cause: Respiratory illnesses like chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma. (Acid rain chemicals can make existing respiratory ailments worse, too.) Cardiovascular problems, such as worsening existing heart disease. Lower birth weight, which might affect a child’s growth and development. Many coal plants -- once a major source of acid rain -- in the U.S. are shutting down and more will be retired. There are no plans for new large-scale coal plants in the country, though other countries still build them. Individual actions also can help prevent acid rain. You can: Try battery-operated tools. Switch from gas-powered tools to ones with rechargeable batteries. Lung cancer. Pollution can cause cell mutations that can become cancerous. Many coal plants -- once a major source of acid rain -- in the U.S. are shutting down and more will be retired. There are no plans for new large-scale coal plants in the country, though other countries still build them. Individual actions also can help prevent acid rain. You can: Try battery-operated tools. Switch from gas-powered tools to ones with rechargeable batteries. Drive an eco-friendly vehicle. Electric and hydrogen-powered cars don’t produce air pollution, and hybrid vehicles burn less fuel than gas-powered ones. They can reduce fuel consumption and pollution. Low-emissions vehicles give off a lot less compared to other cars. Conserve energy. Using less energy means producing less energy. Turn off electronics when you don’t use them, lower the heat when you’re not using it, and limit air conditioning. You can also replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs or choose Energy Star appliances -- they use less energy. Opt for renewable energy. Add solar panels to your home. They create less pollution than fossil fuels. If you live in a deregulated state, you can choose an electricity provider that uses renewable energy instead of one that uses fossil fuels. Drive less. Exhaust from cars, trucks, and buses spew nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. Consider walking or biking somewhere instead of driving when you can, or use public transportation. Burn better. If you have a fire, keep it small and only burn wood -- not other waste, especially in cities that tend to have higher air pollution. Wood-burning fireplaces should only burn wood, too.