Umar FarooqProfessor Gennifer MarconetteEnglish Composition IApril 7, 2014In 1872, English scientist Robert Angus Smith observed that acid perception could damage plants and materials and he coined the term "acid rain " for that. Acid rain was not considered an environmental threat until scientists in 1970 observed increasing acid levels in streams and lakes. Acid rain is caused by the release of chemical compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. They rise into the atmosphere, react and mix with oxygen, water and other chemicals in the air and form acidic pollutants. Both sulfur and nitrogen dioxide are soluble in water and can easily be carried by wind and found in rain. Nature works in a balanced way. Some rain has a pH around 5.0, making it naturally acidic. In natural acid rain, sulfur comes from volcanic eruptions and emits large amounts of sulfur dioxide, while the nitric acid in the rain is produced by lightning activity in the atmosphere. Natural rain reacts with non-acidic materials naturally present in the air, rocks, bedrock, streams and lakes. The reaction between them results in a neutral solution. However, human activity makes this reaction difficult, the access of acid rain cannot be neutralized neutrally and leads to damage to crops, streams, lakes, animals, humans and buildings. In recent decades, human activities have been the main cause of acid rain. . Humans have caused the destruction of the atmospheric chemical balance by releasing different chemicals into the air. The main source of sulfur dioxide is nitrogen dioxide, and some nitrogen dioxide is produced by power plants when burning natural fossil fuels, such as when coal is burned to produce electricity. Aside from them, exhalation...... middle of paper ...... chronic bronchitis can make breathing difficult. Acid rain can also cause the formation of tiny particles. When these particles enter the lungs, they can cause problems and permanent damage to the lungs. International treaties are in place to stop this. Long-range transport of air pollutants has been agreed as the Sulfur Emission Reduction Protocol under the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution. Most European countries, Canada and America have signed these treaties to combat acid rain. Everyone can help the environment against acid rain by raising awareness. Conserve energy, whether it is used in your car, at home or at your workplace, try to save electrical energy, turn off unnecessary lights and try to limit the use of air conditioners. Cars and other vehicles are also a big cause of limiting their use. Play your part in a healthy environment.