News Chemistry

A culprit for corrosion may have been operating under our noses

Water droplets can gain electrical charge and degrade bridges, ships and monuments

Vehicles and pedestrians cross the Golden Gate Bridge on a foggy damp-looking day.

Metal structures like the Golden Gate Bridge, monuments and cars are vulnerable to corrosion, even when covered with protective coatings.

Paul Quayle/Alamy

By Lily Burton

Water droplets can do their own version of the electric slide. But instead of tearing up the dance floor, they may be wearing away at our cars, infrastructure and cultural heritage sites.