What is the difference between contamination and pollution?

Most people use the terms contamination and pollution interchangeably as they both deal with unwanted elements. The substances that cause pollution are termed as "pollutants" while those that lead to contamination are called "contaminants". read more

Contamination is the presence of a minor and unwanted constituent, contaminant or impurity in a material, physical body, natural environment, workplace, etc. Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. read more

Differences between Contamination and Pollution Degree of Damage in Contamination vs Pollution The degree of damage is typically higher among pollution cases as compared to contamination since pollutants often disturb ecosystems. read more

Contamination is the PRESENCE of a substance that should not be present naturally. Pollution is when the contaminant causes HARM to organisms or infrastructure. Therefore you can have a contaminated environment without it being polluted but you cannot have a polluted environment without it being contaminated. read more