Does acid rain affect building materials?
"it has often been observed that the stones and bricks of buildings crumble more readily in large towns where much coal is burnt.... I was led to attribute this effect to the slow but constant action of acid rain." Robert Angus Smith 1856
Acid rain and the dry deposition of acidic particles contribute to the corrosion of metals (example: bronze), deteriorate paint and stone (examples: marble and limestone) which seriously reduces the value to society of buildings, bridges, cultural objects (examples: statues, monuments, and tombstones), and cars.
Does acid rain have an effect on architecture?
Many buildings and monuments are made of stone. Granite is now the most widely used stone for buildings, monuments, and bridges. Granite is primarily composed of silicate minerals, like feldspar and quartz, which are resistant to acid attack. Limestone is the second most used building stone ever since it became popular because of its uniform color and texture and because it could be easily carved. Limestone and marble are primarily composed of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate), which dissolves readily in weak acid; in fact, this characteristic is often used to identify the mineral calcite. Sandstone from local sources was commonly used in the Northeastern United States, especially before 1900. Sandstone is also primarily composed of silica and is thus resistant. A few sandstones are less resistant because they contain a carbonate cement that dissolves readily in weak acid. In our country, marble is used much less often than the other stone types, but it has been used for many buildings and monuments of historical significance. Because of their composition, some stones are more likely to be damaged by acidic deposition than others. Because buildings and monuments made of limestone and marble are more likely to be damaged by acid precipitation, they are the main focus of this booklet.
The effects of acid deposition on modern buildings are considerably less damaging than the effects on ancient monuments. Limestone and carbonate stones which are used in most heritage buildings in the UK are the most vulnerable to corrosion and need continued renovation.
Cathedrals such as York Minster and Westminster Abbey have been severely eroded in recent years. A five-year research program in the UK has suggested that if sulphur dioxide emissions were reduced by 30%, savings over 30 years could be as high as ￡9.5 billion. Many other countries have noticed an acceleration of damage to their cultural heritage. The Taj Mahal in India, the Colosseum in Rome and monuments in Krakow, Poland are continuing to deteriorate. In Sweden, medieval stained glass windows are thought to have been affected by acid rain.
What does acid rain do to our roads, highways, and bridges?
Buildings have always been suffering through consequences of the weather; the effects of rain, wind, sun, and frost. Acid rain only accelerates the rate of this damage. Throughout the world, emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides contribute to the international problem of acidification.
Acid deposition affects most materials to a certain degree.
Limestone, marble and sandstone are particularly vulnerable, whilst granitic-based rocks are more resistant to acidity. Other materials that are vulnerable to acid rain include carbon-steel, nickel, zinc, copper, paint, some plastics, paper, leather and textiles. Stainless steel and aluminium are more resistant to acid rain. Structural damage to underground pipes, cables and foundations submerged in acid waters can also occur, in addition to damage to buildings, bridges and vehicles above ground.
What is the effect acid rain on things made from metal such as automobiles, trains, buses, and other means of trannsportation?
acid rain, results from man-made emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides through the burning of fossil fuels for energy and transportation.
What does the effect of acid rain cost us in terms of money.
Dry deposition of acidic compounds can also dirty buildings and other structures, leading to increased maintenance costs. To reduce damage to automotive paint caused by acid rain and acidic dry deposition, some manufacturers use acid-resistant paints, at an average cost of $5 for each new vehicle (or a total of $61 million per year for all new cars and trucks sold in the U.S.)
What are the economic consequences of acid rain on fisheries, forestry, and agriculture?
Lake water stabilizes at a certain acidity when contaminated with acid rain, maintaining a small number of species of plants and animals, but usually lacking many fish.
In addition to acid rain, a number of other factors can influence the acidity of freshwater, including the introduction of livestock into the catchment area and the use of nitrogen fertilisers.