How does acid deposition affect human health?

Acid deposition, which refers to the acidifying components (such as sulfuric and nitric acids) that fall to the ground through rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation, primarily affects human health indirectly rather than directly. The correct choice highlights that acid deposition contributes to enhanced chemical weathering and erosion of stone materials, which can lead to detrimental health effects.

As acid rain lowers the pH of soil and water bodies, it can leach harmful metals such as lead, aluminum, and mercury into drinking water sources. Elevated levels of these metals can pose significant health risks to humans, including neurological damage, cardiovascular issues, and other serious health effects.

The erosion caused by acid deposition can also damage building materials, infrastructure, and monuments, which indirectly affects human health by creating unsafe environments or increasing maintenance costs that can detract from public health spending. Therefore, the link between acid deposition and its capability to enhance chemical weathering and erosion is crucial in understanding how environmental issues can lead to health-related consequences.