What are the effects of air pollution on polished stone surfaces?
Air pollution has significant adverse effects on polished stone surfaces, leading to both aesthetic and structural damage over time. Pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter can react with the stone's surface, causing discoloration, etching, and loss of polish. Acid rain, a byproduct of air pollution, accelerates erosion by dissolving the stone's mineral components, particularly in calcareous stones like marble and limestone. Additionally, soot and grime from industrial emissions can embed into porous stone, making cleaning difficult and requiring specialized maintenance. To mitigate these effects, regular sealing, gentle cleaning, and protective coatings are recommended to preserve the stone's appearance and durability in polluted environments.
