Acid Rain Is So 80’s

Acid Rain damage to Trees

Written by Adam Shake

It seems like the last time we heard any kind of major news coverage in reference to Acid Rain, was back in the 80’s. Remember, it was all over T.V.?

The Captain Planet cartoon, the episode on Saved by the Bell when she washes her hair and it comes out green?

Acid Rain was THE most talked about environmental threat in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Simply put, Acid rain develops when sulfur dioxide (SO₂ which comes from pre-catalytic converters and current industrial polution) and nitrogen oxides (NO_x) react in the atmosphere with water, oxygen, and other atmospheric chemicals. The SO₂ and NO_x derive from combustion of fossil fuels, various industrial processes, and even certain natural biological reactions. Sunlight acts as a catalyst, and the result is a mild solution of sulfuric acid and nitric acid.

Rashid has written a great article on the subject which is located Here. With his permission, the following is quoted from his website. “For years, science studied the true causes of acid rain. Some scientists concluded that human production was primarily responsible, while others cited natural causes as well. Recently, more intensive research has been done so that countries have the information they need to prevent acid rain and its dangerous effects. The levels of acid rain vary from region to region. In Third World nations without pollution restrictions, acid rain tends to be very high. In Eastern Europe, China, and the Soviet Union, acid rain levels have also risen greatly. However, because acid rain can move about so easily, the problem is definitely a global one.”

WTJ from http://science.kukuchew.com talks about doing a presentation topic on Acid Rain in Elementary School, and talks about how it can melt rock. (This has become a problem in some cities with statuary.

The EPA says “Acid rain causes acidification of lakes and streams and contributes to the damage of trees at high elevations (for example, red spruce trees above 2,000 feet) and many sensitive forest soils. In addition, acid rain accelerates the decay of building materials and paints, including irreplaceable buildings, statues, and sculptures that are part of our nation’s cultural heritage. Prior to falling to the earth, sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxide (NO_x) gases and their particulate matter derivatives—sulfates and nitrates—contribute to visibility degradation and harm public health.”

So why did the topic fall off the radar screen? Well, there are a few reasons I think. For one, I think that acid rain is the V.D. to the A.I.D.S. epidemic. Remember the world prior to A.I.D.S.? The big

Acid Rain Formation

Sex scare was Venereal Disease. But as soon as A.I.D.S. came around, V.D. was second hat. Well now we have Global Warming! (and all the sub groups associated with it) acid rain is playing second fiddle. The second reason was that acid rain was talked to death. Panda’s dying? Acid Rain. Your car losing it’s top coat? Acid rain. The third reason is all too obvious. The media has a bigger agenda now and acid rain just isn’t making the headlines it used to.

So what’s being done about acid rain? I mean, after all, its still a problem right? Well in the United States it’s not as much of a problem as it used to be, due to the some of the smoke stack regulations that have been imposed. But in other parts of the world, it’s more of a problem than ever. In developing countries like China and India (who don’t have the regulations that we have) acid rain is a much bigger problem than anyone realizes.

Well, the website www.essortment.com says that “the best approach seems to be in prevention. To this end environmental regulations have been enacted to limit the quantity of emissions released in the atmosphere. Several industries have added scrubbers to their smoke stacks to reduce the amount of sulphur dioxide dumped in the atmosphere. Specially designed catalytic converters are used to ensure that the gases coming out from exhaust pipes of automobiles, are rendered harmless. Several industries which use coal as fuel have begun to wash the coal before using it thereby reducing the amount of Sulphur present in it, and consequently the amount of emissions. Usage of coal with a low Sulphur content also reduces the problem.

We as individuals can take several steps to alleviate the effects of this problem. A reduction in use of vehicles will reduce the amount of emission caused by our vehicles. So do not use the car unless it is absolutely required. For going short distances, walk or try to use a bicycle. This will not only protect the environment but also improve your health. If the distance is greater, try using public transportation. If you must use your vehicle try forming a car pool and share your vehicle with someone else. Ensure that your vehicle is properly tuned, and fitted with a catalytic converter, to reduce the emissions.

Reduce use of electric power. Switch off lights, and other electrical appliances when not required. Do not leave your Televisions, VCRs, Microwave Ovens or Music Systems on Stand-by when not required. Switch them off.

Reducing power consumption will reduce the amount of coal burnt to produce electricity, and thus reduce the amount of pollution. This is true even if your electricity company does not use coal for producing electricity, but some other more environmentally friendly way. This is because the electricity you have saved can now be used elsewhere, thus benefiting nature.

Speak to others about this problem. Increasing awareness is one way of ensuring that things are done to solve this global problem. Find out what fuel is being used by your electricity company to produce electricity. If they use coal, ask what methods they use to contain, if not eliminate, the problem of sulphur emissions. Washing the coal used, or using coal having a low sulphur content, is costly and therefore some companies try to avoid this. If you have the option, switch to a utility that shows more concern for the environment.”

Suggested Reading:

Oh No! Gas Prices are Falling!

Chevy Volt now $7,500.00 Cheaper, Thanks to Tax Credit Via Bailout Bill

Report – U.S. Lacks Standards to Keep Biofuel Industry From Harming The Environment

As always, don”t forget to Alter the Eco and keep up the good fight,

Related posts:

1. Wind Could Replace Most if Not All Coal Plants, says Interior Secretary
2. The candidates telephones