UDC 628.1/.2:001.4
DOI 10.35776/VST.2023.05.07
Kofman V. Ya.
On the meaning of the term «emerging contaminants»
Summary
The term «emerging contaminants» has been widely used in modern scientific and technical literature on the problem of environmental pollution. Meanwhile, the examples of using translation versions of this term in the Russian-language relevant literature indicate the lack of an adequate understanding of the meaning of this term. In the English-language scientific and technical literature «emerging contaminants» currently refer to the substances and materials of natural, industrial or artificial origin found or presumably present in various environments; and their toxicity or stability can significantly change the metabolism of living beings. These substances have been classified as «emerging contaminants» while there is a lack of information in the scientific literature, or questions about their potential problems have been poorly documented. In general, «emerging contaminants» show certain potential to create risks to the human health or environment; however, they have not been subject to regulatory criteria or standards to protect human health or the environment, so far. What they have in common is the lack of relevant data on the environmental role and potential toxicity, which makes assessing correctly the risks associated with them impossible. Already regulated, presumably well-known pollutants may revert to the status of «emerging contaminants» as and when new scientific information becomes available, prompting regulators to revise regulations and recommendations.
Key words
emerging contaminants , emerging contaminants , organic micropollutants
