Scientists from many disciplines are studying acid precipitation and its impact. The National Acid
Precipitation Assessment Program (NAPAP), 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.
Beginning in 1984, the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program
sponsored exposure site studies of limestone and marble, to examine the
contribution to stone deterioration that comes from acid precipitation.
