Acid Rain

Acid rain refers to any form of precipitation polluted by acid in the atmosphere. It is mainly a problem in eastern Canada because many of the water and soil systems in this region lack natural alkalinity, and therefore cannot neutralize acid naturally. The problem of acid rain is not new. It was first noticed during the 17th century when people observed the effects of industrialization on plants and animals. The issue of acid rain affects all wildlife, the society, the environment, and the population. Solutions include monitoring the environment carefully and applying strict pollution controls. The increase in problems of acid rain in eastern Canada is the result of industrial processes and the burning of fossil fuels.

The main cause of acid rain is industrial processing and over-burning fossil fuels. They create two common air pollutants which acidify rain, known as sulphur dioxide (SOÐ'І) and nitrogen oxide (NOÐ"--). These two substances may be carried over long distances by prevailing winds before returning to earth as acidic rain, snow, fog, or dust. Some examples of how the burning of fossil fuels is used in manufacturing are ore smelting, coal-fired power generators, and natural gas processing. In addition, fuels in motor vehicles, residential and commercial furnaces, and industrial and electrical-utility boilers and engines also contribute to the problem of acid rain. Up until the year 2003 in eastern Canada, scientists have concluded that most SOÐ'І emissions come 75% from industrial sources, 5% transportation, and 20% electric utilities. Whereas most NOÐ"-- emissions come 25% from industrial sources, 55% transportation, 15% electric utilities, and 5% from fuel combustion. Even so, eastern Canada is not the only cause to its problem of acid rain, as more than half of the acid deposition in eastern Canada originates from acidic emissions coming from the industrial areas of northeast USA. If the burning of fossil fuels can be lessened in both Canada and US, then acid rain will not be as big a problem as it is presently, along with other environmental problems.

Consequently to the causes of acid rain, the environment and population of eastern Canada are seriously affected by this matter. In lakes, rivers, and streams, the food chain is altered as species of wildlife become endangered. For example, fish disappear, their populations decrease rapidly, deformities are found, and they suffer serious health problems, which spread to humans who may consume the fish, or drink such acidic water. In forests, the surfaces of leaves and needles are damaged, trees' ability to withstand cold, drought, diseases, and insects, is reduced, as well as their regenerative capability, and soils lose valuable nutrients. As for the air quality, it gets polluted by urban smog, climate change, and mercury is released; which causes health hazards to humans, such as tissue damage, inflammation in the lungs, and reduced visibility of distant objects. Moreover, temperatures are increased, droughts become more common, and the UV radiation is raised. In addition to loss of plant and animal life as food sources, acid rain gets into the food we eat, the water we drink, as well as the air we breathe. Due to this, asthmatic people and children are directly affected. In cities, buildings made of marble, granite, or limestone wear away, and lose 4% of their weight every year due to acid rain, colours of cars