Acid Rain

Acid rain is a form of precipitation that contains high levels of acidic components, such as sulfuric and nitric acid. It occurs when pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) are released into the atmosphere. These gases mix with water vapor and form acids, which then fall to the ground as rain, snow, or fog. Acid rain can damage forests by leaching nutrients from the soil. It also harms aquatic life by making water bodies too acidic for fish and other organisms. Buildings and monuments made of limestone and marble can corrode due to acid rain. The primary sources of acid rain are factories, power plants, and vehicles that burn fossil fuels. It can travel long distances in the atmosphere before falling to the ground. Acid rain is a major environmental problem in many industrialized countries. It not only affects nature but also human health indirectly. It can lead to respiratory problems when people breathe in air polluted with the same acidic compounds. Reducing acid rain involves cutting emissions from industries and vehicles. Using cleaner energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro can help. International agreements like the Clean Air Act have helped reduce acid rain in some regions. Education and awareness are also important in fighting this problem.