What are we doing about acid rain?

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Hello and welcome to CoreFacts, where we're always short on time and big on science. I'm Dane Klima. Today's question is about acid rain.

What are we doing about acid rain?

Scientists from many disciplines are studying acid precipitation and its impact. The National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program, a Federal program involving representatives from more than a dozen Federal agencies, has sponsored studies on how acid rain forms and how it affects lakes, crops, forests, and materials.

Because buildings and monuments cannot adapt to changes in the environment as plants and animals can, historic structures may be particularly affected by acid precipitation. Scientists are studying effective control technologies to limit the emissions from power plants and automobiles that cause acid rain. The impact and usefulness of regulations that would require limits on air pollution are also being studied. Finally, scientists are examining the processes of deterioration to find effective ways to protect and repair our historic buildings and monuments.

Agencies like the National Park Service, which are charged with protecting and preserving our national heritage, are particularly concerned not only about the impact of acid rain but also about making the best choices for maintaining and preserving our historic buildings and monuments.

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