miljøkontaminanter

Miljøkontaminanter are substances that contaminate the environment, meaning they are present in places where they should not be or at concentrations higher than natural levels, potentially causing harm to ecosystems and human health. These contaminants can originate from both natural sources and human activities, often referred to as anthropogenic sources. Natural sources include volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and the natural weathering of rocks. However, human activities such as industrial processes, agriculture, transportation, and waste disposal are significant contributors to environmental contamination.

The range of environmental contaminants is vast, encompassing chemicals, physical substances, and even biological agents. Common chemical contaminants include heavy metals like lead and mercury, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as PCBs and dioxins, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics. Physical contaminants can include debris and sediments. Biological contaminants might involve invasive species or pathogens.

These contaminants can enter the environment through various pathways, including emissions into the air, discharges into water bodies, and application to land. Once released, they can persist in the environment for extended periods, undergo transformation into other substances, or be transported over long distances. Their presence can disrupt ecological processes, leading to biodiversity loss, impaired water and soil quality, and adverse effects on wildlife. For humans, exposure to environmental contaminants can occur through contaminated food, water, air, or direct contact, potentially leading to a range of health problems. Monitoring and managing environmental contaminants are crucial for protecting public health and ecological integrity.