contamination

Contamination refers to the presence of harmful substances or impurities in an environment, product, or material that can affect its safety and quality. This can occur in various forms, such as chemical, biological, or physical contaminants. For example, water can become contaminated by pollutants, food may harbor bacteria, and air can contain toxins. Contamination poses risks to health, ecosystems, and overall quality of life, necessitating careful monitoring and management to prevent or mitigate these harmful effects.