by Vilie Farah

Created on: October 19, 2009

How many times have you heard the term acid rain without paying further attention to it? Do you really know what acid rain is and how it can affect your life?

The term explained
Acid rain results from the emission of harmful substances in the atmosphere. It is caused mainly by the emission of sulfuric, nitrogen and carbon compounds. These, as the name signifies, affect the acidity of rain water. Increased acidity also affects snow, fog and dew.

The main culprit for the formation of acid rain is sulfur dioxide. Factories and electrical power plants are responsible for emitting such substances in the atmosphere.

Yet, is acid rain really that harmful?

Acid rain and health risks
Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas that has the ability to react strongly with other substances. Breathing in sulfur dioxide through the nose is harmless, since the nasal mucous membrane eliminates the harmful particles. If sulfur dioxide enters the body through the mouth, however, it has been found to affect the respiratory system and to lead to asthma, bronchitis and other disorders.

People already suffering from asthma will be seriously affected by sulfur dioxide. High levels of the gas cause suffocation and chest pain. Prolonged exposure to the gas can result in the development of chronic respiratory diseases and can aggravate already existing conditions.

Scientists have found correlation between acid rain and health problems that people in affected regions experience over a long period of time.

Think about it. Acid rain has the power to corrode stone and buildings. Some monuments of culture have suffered serious damage as a result of acid rain. Certainly, this powerful substance has the ability to affect the human health.

Further on the effects of acid rain
Acid rain affects the condition of the soil, the flora and the fauna. Acidic rain absorbed by the soil damages the roots of plants. Regions affected heavily by acid rain might become entirely deforested.

The same applies for aquatic species. Larger basins can dilute acid rain. Yet, high concentrations of sulfur dioxide cannot be nullified. High acidity will start killing aquatic organism, small ones first, larger fish right after.

People should be aware of the danger of consuming such fish and crops that have absorbed the harmful substances contained in acid rain. Kidney problems have been linked to the consumption of contaminated meat and plants.

Limiting health risks
Adequate behavior and sufficient knowledge can help you limit the harmful effects of acid rain.

People suffering from respiratory diseases should refrain from exercising in the open air. Physical activity often causes us to breathe through the mouth, which increases the danger of inhaling sulfur dioxide.

Avoid regions featuring intense traffic and serious emissions of harmful substances.

Data about the amount of atmospheric pollutants is available on a daily basis. Do some research to learn more about the acceptable levels and the values that are above the norm.

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