National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program Report to Congress: An Integrated Assessment
Abstract
Acid deposition, more commonly known as acid rain, occurs when emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) react in the atmosphere (with water, oxygen, and oxidants) to form various acidic compounds. These acidic compounds then fall to earth in either a wet form (rain, snow, and fog) or a dry form (gases, aerosols, and particles). Prevailing winds transport the acidic compounds hundreds of miles, often across state and national borders. At certain levels the acidic compounds, including small particles such as sulfates and nitrates can cause many negative human health and environmental effects. While ecosystems are subject to many stresses, including land-use changes, climate change, and variations in hydrologic and meteorologic cycles, the scientific literature has clearly demonstrated that these pollutants can: * Degrade air quality, * Impair visibility, * Damage public health, * Acidify lakes and streams, * Harm sensitive forests, * Harm sensitive coastal ecosystems, and * Accelerate the decay of building materials, paints, and cultural artifacts such as buildings, statues, and sculptures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA465644
Entities
People
- Ann Watkins
- B.j. Cosby
- Bryan Bloomer
- Chris Eagar
- Mark Fenn
- Richard Haeuber
- Robert Cook
- Sandy Mclaughlin
- Tamara Saltman
- Tom Huntington
Organizations
- Executive Office of the President of the United States