Acid Rain: Negative Effects

Acid rain has several negative effects on organisms and structures. While normal rain is not acidic enough to have a tremendous effect, this effect can be amplified due to the gases being released in larger volumes during the combustion of fossil fuels.

Effect on Structures and Buildings
Acid rain reacts with rocks used in the creation of buildings and structures, such as sandstone, limestone and marble. This causes the affected structures to wear away and become damaged. This can cause problems in the structure of houses and buildings, or can cause statues to become disfigured.

Effect on Organisms
Being acidic, acid rain can have a negative effect on the skin and flesh of living organisms, although generally it is too mild to have an immediate effect. The effect of acid rain is much greater on the leaves of plants, causing them to die and fall off and preventing the plants from accomplishing photosynthesis. Acid rain also washes away useful minerals in soil, such as nitrates and magnesium, which has a negative effect on plants and inhibits their growth.

A build-up of acid rain in a river or other form of water supply will increase the acidity of the water, which kills local fish and animals and also increases the chance of deformities in fish.

Range of Effect

Acid rain will not necessarily occur near the source of the pollution, as the reactions which form acid rain take place in the atmosphere and wind currents can move the gases necessary for acid rain across great distances and even to other countries. Acid rain is an international problem, as pollution in one country can affect another in the form of acid rain.