Reduce Air Pollution

The main source of air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels, including oil, coal, and natural gas, are our main sources of energy. When energy sources are burned, sulfur and nitrogen compounds are produced. When these gases mix with moisture, they form sulfuric acid and nitric acid.

Sulfuric and nitric acids in rainwater and snow fall to the planet as acid rain. When acid rain falls into rivers and lakes, many organisms in these habitats cannot survive. Acid rain damages forests and crops. It also eats away at buildings, bridges, and statues.

Cars and trucks cause almost a third of the air pollution in the United States.

Acid Rain Formation

sulfur compounds

nitrogen compounds

factory

polluted water

rain cloud

acid rain

damaged bridge