This Rain Can Kill You
What is it?
Acid rain is a serious environmental problem that affects parts of Guatemala. Acid rain is particularly damaging to lakes, streams, and forests and the plants and animals that live in these ecosystems.
"Acid rain" refers to a mixture of wet and dry deposition (deposited material) from the atmosphere containing higher than normal amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids. The precursors, or chemical forerunners, of acid rain formation result from both natural sources, such as volcanoes and decaying vegetation, and man-made sources, primarily emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) resulting from fossil fuel combustion. It occurs when these gases react in the atmosphere with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form various acidic compounds. The result is a solution of sulfuric acid and nitric acid. When sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released from power plants and other sources, prevailing winds blow these compounds across Guatemala.
RESULT:
Acid rain causes acidification of lakes and streams and contributes to the damage of trees at high elevations 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 country. Before it falls to earth, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) gases and their particulate matter derivatives contribute to visibility degradation and harm public health.
SOLUTION:
Clean up exhaust pipes. Almost all of the electricity that powers modern life comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil. Acid deposition is caused by two pollutants that are released into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned: sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
Damaged environments must be restored. Acid deposition penetrates deeply into the fabric of an ecosystem, changing the chemistry of the soil and streams and narrowing the space where certain plants and animals can survive. Individuals can take action. They can contribute directly by conserving energy, since energy production causes the largest portion of the acid deposition problem.
· Turn off lights, computers, and other appliances when you're not using them.
Acid rain is a serious environmental problem that affects parts of Guatemala. Acid rain is particularly damaging to lakes, streams, and forests and the plants and animals that live in these ecosystems.
"Acid rain" refers to a mixture of wet and dry deposition (deposited material) from the atmosphere containing higher than normal amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids. The precursors, or chemical forerunners, of acid rain formation result from both natural sources, such as volcanoes and decaying vegetation, and man-made sources, primarily emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) resulting from fossil fuel combustion. It occurs when these gases react in the atmosphere with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form various acidic compounds. The result is a solution of sulfuric acid and nitric acid. When sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released from power plants and other sources, prevailing winds blow these compounds across Guatemala.
RESULT:
Acid rain causes acidification of lakes and streams and contributes to the damage of trees at high elevations 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 country. Before it falls to earth, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) gases and their particulate matter derivatives contribute to visibility degradation and harm public health.
SOLUTION:
Clean up exhaust pipes. Almost all of the electricity that powers modern life comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil. Acid deposition is caused by two pollutants that are released into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned: sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
Damaged environments must be restored. Acid deposition penetrates deeply into the fabric of an ecosystem, changing the chemistry of the soil and streams and narrowing the space where certain plants and animals can survive. Individuals can take action. They can contribute directly by conserving energy, since energy production causes the largest portion of the acid deposition problem.
· Turn off lights, computers, and other appliances when you're not using them.
- Only use electric appliances when you need them.
- Carpool, use public transportation, or even better, walk or bicycle whenever possible.
- Properly maintain your vehicle.
- Be well- informed.