Effect of pollution on historical monuments?

Answer 1

For many historians the effect of pollution on historical sites is a daily battle. Acid rain and smog eat into marble causing small holes in the stone. The Acropolis in Greece is one of main sites that is having this problem. All over the world buildings and historical sites are having problems with pollution and the growth of cities near the site. The Spinx is crumbling and through the centuries various repairs have been done to it, but that has only aided the damage from smog and traffic. The Roman Colosseum sits in the middle of a traffic circle in Rome. Repairs have been ongoing on the Colosseum and several sections have been rebuilt. In the United States civil war battle sites fight the growth of cities and malls. In some sites a malls form a boundary to the battle site. Natural forces also take their toll on historical sites. Mt. Rushmore is worked on because the granite cracks due to the snow, heat, rain, and pollution. Our national parks are dying because the trees are dying from drought, pollution, and insects. Once all of these things are gone they can not be replaced and hundreds if not thousands are in trouble because of pollution.

Answer 2

The effects of pollution on historical monuments can be devastating depending on the material that the monument is made out of. Mount Rushmore for example is slowly eroding due to acid rain.