What term describes the release of harmful substances into the environment?

The term that describes the release of harmful substances into the environment is pollution. Pollution refers specifically to the introduction of contaminants into natural environments, including air, water, and soil, which can lead to adverse effects on ecosystems, human health, and overall environmental quality. This can include a wide range of substances, such as chemicals, waste products, and noise, that disrupt the natural balance of the environment.

Contamination, while related, often refers to the presence of undesirable substances in a particular area, and it may or may not be harmful. Degradation generally refers to the deterioration of the quality of the environment through processes that reduce its usability, such as erosion or habitat destruction, rather than specifically to the release of harmful substances. Waste is a broader term that encompasses any material that is discarded, but it does not inherently refer to the harmful nature of the substances being released into the environment. Thus, pollution is the most accurate term for the intentional or unintentional release of harmful substances into various environments.