Contaminants of emerging concern are compounds which we know little about, but where there is a reason for concern that they may represent a risk. It is about both their effects and to what extent they are present in the environment. Many of the compounds do not necessarily have very high toxicity but may have, for example, endocrine disrupting effects.

This can be novel compounds such as:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Flame retardants
• Industrial products
• Unknown degradation product from known contaminants
• Legacy compounds in a novel environmental setting, e.g. altered use

Growing concern and new knowledge is raising the awareness about these chemical compounds, which may pollute the environment and / or is toxic to humans or animals. In Department of Environmental Science we have high focus on contaminants of emerging concern (CECs).