The corrosion seriously depreciates the objects' value to society. Dry deposition of acidic compounds can also dirty buildings and other structures, leading to increased maintenance costs. The Acid Rain Program will reduce damage to materials by limiting SO2 emissions. Health Based on health concerns, SO2 has historically been regulated under the Clean Air Act. Sulfur dioxide interacts in the atmosphere to form sulfate aerosols, which may be transported long distances through the air.
Most sulfate aerosols are particles that can be inhaled.
In the eastern United States, sulfate aerosols make up about 25 percent of the inhalable particles. By lowering sulfate aerosol levels, the Acid Rain Program will reduce the incidence and the severity of asthma and bronchitis. When fully implemented by the year 2010, the public health benefits of the Acid Rain Program will be significant, due to decreased mortality, hospital admissions, and emergency room visits. Decreases in nitrogen oxide emissions are also expected to have a beneficial impact on health effects by reducing the nitrate component of inhalable particulates and reducing the nitrogen oxides available to react with volatile organic compounds and form ozone. Ozone impacts on human health include a number of morbidity and mortality risks associated with lung disorders.