Climate & Environment
Pollution
The introduction of substances or energy into the environment at levels that cause harm to human health, ecosystems or amenities.
Definition
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants — chemical substances, waste, noise, heat, light or radiation — into air, water, soil or organisms at concentrations or intensities that cause adverse effects on human health, living systems, materials or environmental quality. Responses span abatement (reducing ongoing releases), end-of-pipe control (capturing pollutants before release), prevention (avoiding generation at source) and remediation of legacy contamination.
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