What is the definition of a contaminant?

A contaminant is defined as a substance that negatively affects the quality of an environment or material, often causing physical harm or posing risks to health and safety. This choice emphasizes the potential harmful effects that certain materials can have when they are introduced into a system, operation, or environment where they do not belong.

For example, in a workplace, contaminants can include hazardous chemicals, pollutants, or any material that can compromise the safety and health of workers or degrade the operational processes. Identifying and controlling these contaminants is crucial for maintaining a safe work environment in compliance with OSHA standards.

The other options do not align with the definition of a contaminant. Referring to a chemical with no known effects or a beneficial ingredient does not capture the essence of a contaminant, as contaminants are typically associated with negative impacts. A naturally occurring element can also be benign depending on the context, but if it poses risks to health when present in a specific environment, it can become a contaminant.