Effects of acid rain
Although acid rain does not cause direct damage to people's health, it does cause other significant damage that affects people. Acid rain damages ecosystems, since it acts:
Over the waters
When the rain falls on the waters, or by runoff, the acidity damages the most sensitive aquatic organisms, which gradually disappear.
About the vegetation
The acidity of the water damages the leaves of the plants, which turn yellow and fall, causing the death of the plant. In addition to the vegetables, the fauna of the area is also affected.
By Lovecz (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
On the soils
The soils are acidified and chemical reactions that take place in it are altered. Acidity causes heavy metals to dissolve and nutrients decrease , which is why it is a risk to the life of vegetables and microorganisms.
About human constructions
Acid rain can also corrode some urban materials, such as metals or building materials, as in the case of stone disease, which causes some old buildings and monuments to be affected by this type of pollution, especially those made with limestone rocks.
Acid rain solutions
Some of the measures that can be taken to reduce the effects of acid rain are:
- Reduce the use of fossil fuels, especially those with high sulfur content, and promote other less polluting ones.
- Use of filters to trap pollutants at emission points.
- Promote the use of clean, non-polluting energy.
