What is Acid Rain?

Acid Rain is a broad term used to describe how acid falls from the sky. It can be wet or dry. It can be in the form of clouds, rain, hail, fog, snow or even dust.

Damage to the
Environment|Plantation|Garden

The effects of Acid Rain also include damage to forests and soil. The acidic compounds in the rainfall or melting snow change the chemistry of the soil. This leads to the stripping of vegetation and ultimately, less habitat to support the ecosystem. You will need quality shades for protection and to preserve your plants in your plantation and garden.

Harmful to Architecture and Vehicles

Acid Rain is also harmful to architecture and transportation. The acidic components turn marble to a crumbly gypsum, and cause bridges and other structures to corrode and deteriorate. This corrosion problem applies to planes and trains as well, which results in increased maintenance costs and potentially hazardous situations.

Acid Rain takes its toll on our historic artifacts. The ventilation systems of most buildings cannot filter out acidic particles in the air. These particles are destroying works of art, including vintage books and clothing, flags, tapestries and other antiques.

Getting your home, office, building, vehichles protected from the hazardous effects of the rain by using shades and sails for protection is an effective solution. It will help your assests last longer and also save you a great deal on the costs for repairs and maintenance.

Effects of Acid Rain on People

Acid rain looks, feels, and tastes just like clean rain. The harm to people from acid rain is not direct. Walking in acid rain, or even swimming in an acid lake, is no more dangerous than walking or swimming in clean water. The air pollution that causes acid rain is more damaging to human health. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, the major sources of acid rain, can irritate or even damage our lungs.

Acid Rain also affects human health. The most serious side effect is respiratory problems, including asthma, dry cough. Other health problems include headache, eye, nose and throat irritation. An indirect effect is the concentration of toxic metals. Toxic particles of mercury and aluminum find their way into fruits, vegetables, and grasses. Once eaten by animals, these toxic particles are retained in their organs, and although this poses no threat to the animal, it does pose a threat to humans who consume them. Mercury has been linked to brain damage (especially in children), and aluminum is a suspected contributor to Alzheimer's disease.

The pollutants that cause acid rain can also reduce visibility - limiting how far into the distance we can see.

The primary pollutants associated with acid rain and poor visibility are human-made sulfur dioxide emissions. These emisisons form small sulfate particles, or aerosols, in the atmosphere. These aerosols reduce visibility by scattering light. Sulfate aerosols are the main cause of poor visibility.