toxic elements

[ˈtɒk.sɪk ˈɛl.ə.mənts]
nounpl: toxic elements
elementos tóxicos
1. Chemical substances or compounds that are poisonous and harmful to living organisms
Heavy metals are toxic elements that can accumulate in the body over time.
Metais pesados são elementos tóxicos que podem se acumular no corpo ao longo do tempo.
2. Substances in the environment, food, water, or air that pose health risks
The water was contaminated with toxic elements such as lead and arsenic.
A água estava contaminada com elementos tóxicos como chumbo e arsênico.
3. In a figurative sense, harmful or destructive aspects or influences
The team had to remove the toxic elements from their work environment.
A equipe teve que remover os elementos tóxicos de seu ambiente de trabalho.
In Brazil, the term 'elementos tóxicos' is widely used in environmental protection laws (such as CONAMA regulations) and occupational health standards. In the USA, awareness of toxic elements in consumer products and workplace safety has increased significantly. The term is also increasingly used metaphorically in both countries to describe harmful people or situations in social and professional contexts.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
harmful substancespoisonous compoundstoxic substanceshazardous materialscontaminants
Antonyms / Antônimos
safe elementsnon-toxic substancesbeneficial elementsharmless compounds

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
elementos tóxicos
Standard usage in scientific and environmental contexts
Rio de Janeiro
elementos tóxicos
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
elementos tóxicos
Commonly used in industrial and health safety regulations
Portugal
elementos tóxicos
Identical usage; also may use 'substâncias tóxicas' interchangeably

Related Words

contaminationpoisonheavy metalschemical hazardstoxicitypollutantscarcinogens

Related Idioms & Phrases

toxic elements in a relationship
eliminate toxic elements
exposure to toxic elements
accumulation of toxic elements
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