contaminant

n.
One that contaminates.

A substance, element, or compound that may harm humans or other forms of life if released into the environment. Refers to concentrations that are above acceptable levels and/or are in a location where they should not be found.
Example: Asbestos, benzene, radon, PCBs, perchloroethylene, and Lead-Based Paint are contaminants. Tests for these substances are commonly prepared as part of the due diligence process in the purchase or financing of real estate. Testing for some is routine; for others, tests are done only if a property is suspect. For example, benzene may result from a leaking petroleum storage tank, perchloroethylene from dry cleaner disposals, and PCBs from disposed electrical transformers. Normally, a property would be tested for these only if there were reason to suspect their presence.

Undesirable compounds found in foods, the result of residues of agricultural chemicals (pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, fertilizers, etc.), through the manufacturing process or as a result of pollution. For many such compounds there are limits to the amount that may legally be present in the food. See also Acceptable Daily Intake.

noun

One that contaminates: adulterant, adulterator, contamination, contaminator, impurity, poison, pollutant. See clean/dirty.

Something that causes contamination.

Dansk (Danish)
n. - forurenende stof, smittende ting

Nederlands (Dutch)
verontreinigende stof (radioactief), besmettelijk iets

Français (French)
n. - contaminant

Deutsch (German)
n. - verunreinigende Substanz

Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - μολυντική ουσία

Italiano (Italian)
contaminante

Português (Portuguese)
n. - contaminante (m)

Русский (Russian)
отравляющее вещество

Español (Spanish)
n. - contaminante

Svenska (Swedish)
n. - smittämne, kontamination (radioaktiv)

中文（简体）(Chinese (Simplified))
污染物

中文（繁體）(Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 污染物

한국어 (Korean)
n. - 오염 물질

日本語 (Japanese)
n. - 汚染物質

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(الاسم) مادة ملوثه‏

עברית (Hebrew)
n. - ‮מזהם‬

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