What environmental issue is primarily caused by acid rain reacting with buildings?

Acid rain primarily causes the degradation of materials like limestone through a chemical reaction. When acid rain, which is formed by the dissolution of sulfuric and nitric acids in rainwater, comes into contact with limestone (calcium carbonate), it reacts to form calcium sulfate, carbon dioxide, and water. This reaction effectively breaks down the limestone, leading to deterioration and erosion of buildings and monuments made from this material.

This process is particularly significant in areas where acid rain is prevalent, as the continuous exposure can lead to substantial structural damage over time. In contrast, the other options do not directly relate to the impact of acid rain on buildings. Increased carbon emissions, for example, refer to greenhouse gases contributing to climate change, while invasive species disruption and soil erosion are ecological issues that occur through different mechanisms and are not specifically linked to the reactions of acid rain with building materials.