Toxic Plume
A spreading cloud or underground flow of contaminants moving away from its source through air, soil, or water.
Related terms
Chemical Spill An unplanned release of a hazardous chemical into the environment, often the result of an industrial accident, transportation incident, or equipment failure. Source of Pollution The origin point or activity that introduces a contaminant into the environment. Sources are categorized as point sources (single, identifiable) or non-point sources (diffuse). Hazardous Substance A chemical, biological, or physical material that poses a risk to human health, property, or the environment. Regulated in the U.S. under laws like CERCLA (Superfund).