What is the primary concern when identifying pollutants?

The primary concern when identifying pollutants centers around their impact on health and the environment. Pollutants can pose serious risks to human health, leading to diseases or even fatalities, and can also cause significant harm to ecosystems. Understanding the nature and concentration of these pollutants helps in assessing their effects and implementing necessary measures to mitigate exposure and environmental degradation. The identification process often focuses on the substances that pose the highest risk, especially those that may disrupt biological functions or accumulate in living organisms, leading to long-term consequences for both individuals and the ecosystem.

While economic implications, monitoring methods, and neutralization techniques are important considerations in pollution management, the core priority remains the health and safety of people and the preservation of the environment. Ultimately, addressing health and environmental impacts lays the groundwork for all other activities related to pollution management and regulatory compliance.