What causes it to form: Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that begins when compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the air. These substances can rise very high into the atmosphere, where they mix and react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form more acidic pollutants, known as acid rain. Human activities, power plants, and exhaust from vehicles all are causes. Affects on living things- Acid rain can kill trees It can affect plant growth patterns Toxins can kill animals Nonliving things- It can decay building materials and paints it breaks down rocks