Contaminants

of Emerging Concern Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC) are substances that are found in the environment and are not currently regulated by existing environmental standards. These substances may have potential impacts on human health and the environment, and could include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, compounds used in industrial processes, and their metabolites. CECs can enter the environment through a variety of sources, including municipal wastewater discharges and runoff from agricultural processes. As their sources and impacts become better understood, CECs could be regulated. Therefore, monitoring of CECs is essential to anticipate and protect public health, the environment, and other resources from potential impacts.