Question

Which of the following chemicals are mainly responsible for marble cancer?

• A. Sulphur dioxide and oxygen
• B. Nitrogen dioxide and oxygen
• C. Sulphuric acid and ferrous sulphate
• D. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide

Answer 1

The correct option is D Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide

These gases react with the water vapour present in the atmosphere to form sulphuric acid and nitric acid. The acids drop down with rain, making the rain acidic. This is called acid rain. Acid rain corrodes the marble of the monument. This phenomenon is also called marble cancer. Suspended particulate matter, such as the soot particles emitted by the Mathura oil refinery, has also contributed towards the yellowing of the marble.