The chemicals in acid rain include SO2and NOx (sulfur oxide and nitric oxide). The main sources of SO2 emissions are coal fired power generators. N0x is caused mainly by vehicles and fuel combustion. Volcanoes, wind-blown dust, lightning, and soil processes all contribute to acid forming in the atmosphere.

Research has shown that although some of the damage attributed to acid rain is a result of natural causes, sulfur dioxide from oil and coal combustion and nitrogen oxides produced from automobile engines have greatly intensified the acid rain problem. Winds can carry the pollutants thousands of kilometers away from their source. The acid comes down with the rain. Acid rain kills animal life in lakes, destroys old buildings, and damages forests.

High environmental damage from acid rain has been reported in northern Europe and North America. High levels of acid rain have also been detected in other areas of the world, such as above the tropical rain forest of Africa. Acid rain has destroyed plant and animal life in lakes, damaged forests and crops, endangered marine life in coastal waters, eroded structures, and contaminated drinking water.

Until this acid rain problem is solved, many more forests and lakes will be destroyed.