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Contaminant

/kənˈtæmɪnənt/noun
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A contaminant is any substance that introduces impurities or pollution into another material, often disrupting its purity or safety. In modern contexts, it's frequently used in environmental science to describe harmful agents like chemicals in water sources or air, and in industries to highlight risks that can lead to health hazards or product failures. This term underscores the subtle yet significant ways human activities can alter natural or manufactured systems.

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