👉 Emerging pollutants, often referred to as "emerging fumes," are a growing concern in environmental science due to their unique and often unknown impacts on human health and ecosystems. These include substances like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), microplastics, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from new industrial processes and consumer products. Unlike traditional pollutants, these emerging fumes can persist in the environment for long periods, accumulate in living organisms, and exhibit endocrine-disrupting properties or other toxic effects. Recent studies highlight their presence in air, water, and soil, raising alarms about their potential to cause chronic health issues and ecological damage, necessitating urgent research and regulatory action to mitigate their spread and impact.
