List the importance of pH in everyday life.
pH is important in various fields. Some are as follows:-
1. pH in Human Body
(i) Using the pH factor, the general health condition of our body can be examined. At pH level 6.9, the body becomes prone to viral infections like cold, cough and flu. Cancer cells thrive in the body at a pH of 5.5.
(ii) The pH of a normal, healthy human skin is 4.5 to 6. Maintaining the pH of the skin is essential for a healthy complexion.
(iii) pH of stomach fluid is approximately 2.0. This fluid is essential for the digestion of food.
(iv) pH of human blood ranges between 7.35 to 7.45. Any increase or decrease in this value hampers human health. The ideal pH of blood is 7.4.
(v) pH of saliva normally ranges between 6.5 to 7.5.
2. pH of Soil
In agriculture, the pH of the soil is very important. Citrus fruits require slightly alkaline soil while rice requires acidic soil and sugarcane requires neutral soil.
3. pH of Rain Water
pH of rainwater is approximately 7 showing the high level of its purity and neutrality. If rain water is polluted by SO2 and NO2, acid rain occurs bringing the pH value less than 7.