Contaminating

The act of introducing a pollutant, impurity, or harmful substance into an environment, material, or organism, making it unfit or unsafe for a specific purpose. This can involve physical, chemical, or biological agents that negatively alter the original state or composition of something. The degree of contamination and its potential effects vary widely, depending on the nature of the contaminant and the sensitivity of the affected system. Often it implies making something impure or corrupted. This also describes rendering something less suitable or making something harmful or unusable.

Contaminating meaning with examples

• The leaking industrial waste was relentlessly contaminating the river, killing aquatic life and making the water unsafe for human consumption. Efforts were made to contain the leak and prevent the further spread of the dangerous pollutants. This was a dire environmental situation. Clean-up operations were underway, but the damage was already significant.
• Accidental cross-contaminating in the lab of the samples led to unreliable research results, delaying the project. Strict protocols for equipment sterilization and handling samples were critical to ensuring accuracy. Rigorous cleaning procedures are necessary. The scientist would have to repeat the experiment.
• The presence of mold was quickly contaminating the food in the refrigerator, forcing a quick clean out and disposal of affected items. Regular cleaning and proper food storage were important. This would help in preventing future problems. The entire refrigerator had to be wiped down with bleach.
• The journalist reported that misinformation and propaganda was quickly contaminating the public discourse, making civil debate and the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood much harder. The media would spread disinformation. Facts are often twisted in many modern debates.
• The improper disposal of medical waste was severely contaminating the local landfill, posing health risks to the surrounding community. Stricter regulations and better waste management protocols are always needed to deal with these medical wastes. Everyone needs to cooperate with these new health and safety measures.