One of the main causes of acid rain is sulphur dioxide. Natural sources which gives out these gases are volcanoes, sea spray, rotting vegetation and plankton. However, the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil causes approximately half of the emissions of this gas in the world. When sulphur dioxide reaches the atmosphere, it oxidizes to first form a sulphate ion. It then becomes sulphuric acid as it joins with hydrogen atoms in the air and falls back down to earth.

Nitric oxide and nitric dioxide are also components of acid rain. Its mainly caused by exhaust fumes. Like sulphur dioxide, the nitrogen oxides rise into the atmosphere and are oxidized in clouds to form nitric acid.

One of the most serious impacts of acid precipitation is on forests and soils. A lot of damages are being done when the sulphuric acid falls onto the earth as rain. All the nutrients in the soils are washed away making it hard for some plants to grow. The p

Acid rain give rise to respiratory problems such as asthma, dry coughs, headaches, eye, nose and throat irritations to humans. An indirect effect of acid precipitation on humans is that the toxic metals dissolved in the water are absorbed in fruits, vegetables, and in the tissues of animals. Although these toxic metals do not directly affect the animals, they have serious effects on humans during consumption. For example, mercury that accumulate in the organs and tissues of the animals has been linked with brain damage in children as well as nerve disorders, brain damage, and death. Also, aluminum has been associated with kidney problems and, was also suspected to be related to Alzheimer's disease.

Acid rain also damages materials such as fabrics. For example, flags hanged are being "eaten away" by the acidic chemicals in the precipitation. Books and old art works that are centuries old are also being affected. Nevertheless, how does all of this affect humans?

Not only can acid pollution be reduced by combustion, filtering the smoke and gases given off by power stations, factories, and cars can also help reduce it. Chemicals can be used to clean exhaust gases given off by factories. Gases given off by cars and trucks can be cleaned by filters called, "catalytic converters," to reduce the amount of gas given off. Finally, another way of reducing acid pollution is by conserving energy

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Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)