Environmental Health Emerging Issues Glossary

A

Acute

Short duration

B

Bioaccumulate

Bioaccumulation refers to the process by which toxins or pollutants build up in the tissues of an organism over time, often at a rate faster than they can be eliminated.

Biosolids

Organic matter created from the wastewater treatment process, often used in agriculture as a fertilizer.

C

CEC

Chemical or contaminants of concern, also called emerging contaminants, may have serious health or environmental concerns.

Chronic

Long duration

Contaminant

Contaminants can be chemical or biological and represent major stressors to ecosystems, including human and wildlife populations.

M

Microplastics

Are very small pieces of plastic, some-times so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. The plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter – come from many different sources, including synthetic textiles, industrial waste products, personal care products, and the breakdown of litter, car tires, and other objects.

N

Nanoplastics

Are less than 1 μm in length. The term refers to extremely small pieces of plastic that are created by the breakdown of plastic products.

P

Pathogen

Pathogens are microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that can cause disease in animals and humans.

Pathogenic

Pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi) that cause disease to the host.

PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: A group of man-made chemical compounds with strong bonds that are both resilient and durable in the environment.

S

Sub-lethal

Having an effect that is not sufficient to cause death.