Acid rain occurs when chemicals accumulated in the water cycle return to earth as a toxic substance. The rain has elevated levels of hydrogen ions which gives it an acidic quality. It can be formed as a result of natural decay but the depth to which it has formed in today's society is directly related to the use of fossil fuels which emit sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
Acid rain has had and continues to have a strong negative effect on the environments on earth. It has resulted in the over acidification of lakes and streams and other water systems. Forests in high elevations have been killed or become diseased by the precipitation. The rain itself does not kill the trees but weakens them to the point that they are vulnerable to disease and insects.
Acid rain has a decomposing effect on marble and limestone which has been used in buildings and structures. Its effect on them can be seen by placing a piece of chalk in a bowl of water overnight. The chalk will begin to dissolve as the water starts to break its outside coating down.
Acid looks, tastes, and feels like rain that is non-acidic, so it is hard to identify it from other rain. At present it is not known to have any direct effect on humans. However, the emissions caused by the same agents that create acid rain are also harmful to humans.
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