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Environmental Health Emerging Issues Glossary

0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Acute

Short duration

B

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

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

PFAS

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

Pathogenic

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

S

Sub-lethal

Having an effect that is not sufficient to cause death.