Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic, meaning that it possesses elevated levels

of hydrogen ions (low pH). It can have harmful effects on plants, aquatic animals, humans and infrastructure. Acid rain is caused by emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which react with the water molecules in the atmosphere to produce acids. Governments have made efforts since the 1970s to reduce the release of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere with positive results. Nitrogen oxides can also be produced naturally by lightning strikes and sulfur dioxide is produced by volcanic eruptions. The chemicals in acid rain can cause paint to peel, corrosion of steel structures such as bridges, and erosion of stone statues.
Contents [hide]

1 Definition 2 History 2.1 History of acid rain in the United States 3 Emissions of chemicals leading to acidification 3.1 Natural phenomena 3.2 Human activity 4 Chemical processes 4.1 Gas phase chemistry 4.2 Chemistry in cloud droplets 5 Acid deposition 5.1 Wet deposition 5.2 Dry deposition 6 Adverse effects 6.1 Surface waters and aquatic animals 6.2 Soils 6.3 Forests and other vegetation 6.4 Ocean acidification 6.5 Human health effects 6.6 Other adverse effects 7 Affected areas 8 Prevention methods 8.1 Technical solutions 8.2 International treaties 8.3 Emissions trading 9 See also 10 References 11 External links