Question

What is the effect of corrosion?

Answer 1

Corrosion refers to the gradual destruction of metals as a result of chemical or electrochemical reactions with their environment. Corrosion has many harmful effects on metallic structures and, if left unchecked, can prove to be very dangerous from a safety standpoint. Some of the direct effects of corrosion include the following.

1. Damage to commercial aircraft and vehicle electronics leading to equipment failure.
2. Damage to computer systems and servers which are often used to control complicated and delicate processes in nuclear power plants, chemical factories etc.
3. Damage to steel reinforcing bars present in concrete structures such as bridges, roads and buildings may lead to their collapse which is disastrous to life and property.
4. Damage to power lines and pipelines leads to accidents which disrupt access to important utilities such as electricity and running water. Such disruptions require the spending of additional money for repairs and fixes.
5. A reduction in the value of goods due to corrosive damage.
6. Corroded metals can seep into rivers, lakes, oceans and the soil causing pollution.
7. Corrosion in pipelines can also lead to the release of potentially hazardous chemicals into the environment leading to very negative consequences for various forms of life.
8. Corrosion depletes Earth's natural resources.

Corrosion is the gradual destruction of metals due to chemical reactions to their environment. Corrosion has multiple negative effects that can have dire consequences if it is not dealt with appropriately.