One is the health problems it causes people. The gases in the air irritate eyes and lungs. Particulates settle in the lungs and worsen asthma and bronchitis. It has been proven that particulates cause cancer, emphysema, and pneumonia. Another effect of air pollution is acid rain.
Acid rain is made up primarily of nitric and sulfuric acids which fall to Earth as rain and snow.
Acid rain has killed off many of North America's lakes and rivers. It can also erode many metals and stones. It has been responsible for the destruction of many historic buildings and works of art. Another equally serious form of pollution is water pollution. It is steadily reducing the amount of clean, fresh water that is necessary for life.