Exposure to acid aerosols like Sulfuric acid, Nitric acid and different size particles can result in damaged lung tissue, development of asthma, and chronic bronchitis over an extended period of time. The elderly and children are usually the most vulnerable. Recent studies at Harvard and NYU show that increased incidence of sulfate aerosols leads to sickness and lung disorders like asthma and bronchitis. However, one of the main effects of the EPA's clean air program will be a marked decrease in the amount sulfate aerosols which will lead to a decreased incidence in sickness and disease. The recent reductions in SO2 emissions, a result of Title IV of the Clean Air Act, are thought to have saved millions of dollars in eliminating potential health costs associated with Acidic Deposition.
Acid deposition is also harmful to wildlife.
Acid rain seems to bring toxic methyl mercury into the food chain. In turn, the health of people, especially children and infants as well as mother's unborn babies are at high risk due to contaminated fish consumed from acidic lakes. Mercury exposure can cause severe damage to our brain and central nervous system as well as to our kidneys. It may also cause hidden neurological abnormalities in children, like abnormal reflexes and slower motor skills. Environment Acid Rain can have an extremely harmful effect on Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems.