pollution

pol·lu·tion (p-lshn)

n.

1. The act or process of polluting or the state of being polluted, especially the contamination of soil, water, or the atmosphere by the discharge of harmful substances.

2. A pollutant or group of pollutants.

---

pollution

defiling or making impure, especially contamination by noxious substances. See also environmental pollution.

---

anesthetic pollution

escape of inhalant anesthetic agents into the surgery environment has been linked to cases of spontaneous abortion, birth defects, cancer, liver disease, loss of cognitive and motor skills and drug dependence in operating room personnel. See also anesthetic scavenging.