harmful substances

[/ˈhɑːrmfl̩ ˈsʌbstənsɪz/]
nounpl: harmful substances
substâncias prejudiciais
1. Chemical, biological, or physical materials that can cause injury, illness, or damage to human health or the environment
The factory was fined for releasing harmful substances into the river.
A fábrica foi multada por liberar substâncias prejudiciais no rio.
2. Toxic or poisonous materials regulated by health and safety authorities
Workers must wear protective equipment when handling harmful substances.
Os trabalhadores devem usar equipamento de proteção ao manusear substâncias prejudiciais.
3. Addictive or dangerous drugs and narcotics
The campaign aimed to educate youth about harmful substances.
A campanha visava educar jovens sobre substâncias prejudiciais.
In Brazil, discussions about harmful substances often relate to both industrial/environmental pollution and drug abuse prevention, particularly in educational campaigns (PROERD). In the USA, the term is frequently used in workplace safety (OSHA regulations) and public health contexts. The concept is heavily regulated by environmental and health agencies in both countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
toxic substanceshazardous materialspoisonous materialsdangerous chemicalscontaminants
Antonyms / Antônimos
safe substancesbeneficial substancesnon-toxic materialsharmless materials

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
substâncias prejudiciais
Most common and formal usage
Rio de Janeiro
substâncias tóxicas
Alternative form commonly used in scientific contexts
São Paulo
substâncias perigosas
Emphasizes danger aspect, used in industrial regulations
Portugal
substâncias nocivas
Preferred European Portuguese term, more formal

Related Words

toxicitycontaminationchemical safetyenvironmental protectionhazardpoison

Related Idioms & Phrases

substance abuse
hazardous waste
chemical exposure
toxic buildup
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