Overview
Acid deposition is the process in which acidic particles from the atmosphere fall onto the ground. This process can occur in the form of rain, snow, fog, and dry particles (dust). Acid deposition is caused by pollutants released from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, that react to form sulfuric, nitric, and other acids in the atmosphere. These pollutants can travel long distances and cause acid rain, acid snow, and acid fog, which can have serious consequences on water, soil, and vegetation. Acid deposition can damage the delicate ecological balance of an ecosystem and affect human health. It can also corrode buildings and monuments. To reduce the risk of acid deposition, governments and global environmental organizations are working to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants.