ártalmasak

Ártalmasak is a Hungarian plural adjective meaning "harmful" or "injurious," used to describe multiple items that can cause damage to health, safety, or the environment. Common expressions include ár talmas anyagok (harmful substances), ár talmas hatások (harmful effects), and it can appear as a predicate: Ezek ártalmasak (These are harmful). The term is used in everyday language as well as in scientific, medical, regulatory, and safety contexts to indicate potential harm or risk.

Etymology and grammar: The word derives from the noun ártalom (harm, injury) with the suffix -mas to form an adjective. In the plural, it becomes ártalmasak to agree with a plural subject. Hungarian adjectives do not have gender distinction, so ártalmas remains the base form and adds -ak for plural.

Usage and nuance: In regulatory and safety language, áratalmas is often contrasted with káros or veszélyes. While related, áratalmas tends to emphasize the potential to cause harm, especially through exposure or long-term effects, whereas káros is a broader term for damage. In many contexts the terms are interchangeable, but the nuance can guide word choice in technical or policy texts.

Contexts and examples: The term is used to describe substances, activities, or conditions in health, environment, and safety discussions. For instance, ártalmas anyagok can refer to certain chemicals, solvents, or fibers; ártalmas hatások refer to adverse health outcomes from exposure. In public health and environmental communication, the label helps convey caution and risk without asserting immediate danger.