Acid rain is not directly dangerous to humans in the way some might assume. It won’t burn your skin if caught in it, and touching or swimming in acid rain poses no immediate harm. However, acid rain is a sign of pollution and can still impact people indirectly but seriously.
Acid rain forms when gases like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) are released into the air from burning fossil fuels, such as in cars, factories, or power plants. These gases mix with atmospheric water vapor and fall back to the ground as acidic rain, snow, or fog.
While walking or swimming in acid rain poses no immediate danger to humans, the pollutants that cause acid rain, particularly sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and their resulting particles, can be harmful to human health when inhaled. These pollutants can cause or worsen respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. The pollutants form fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing further health issues.
Acid rain also harms the environment. It damages forests, weakens trees, pollutes lakes and rivers, and kills aquatic life. Over time, these environmental impacts can threaten clean water, food sources, and overall human well-being.
