Significance of Contamination
Contamination is viewed differently across various fields and philosophies. In Jainism, it refers to factors compromising food purity; in Vaishnavism, it signifies impurities from material desires. The Purana and Dharmashastra discuss contamination as a state needing purification, particularly from impure substances and people. In scientific contexts, contamination denotes the presence of harmful substances in pharmaceuticals, food, water, and surfaces, affecting safety and quality. Overall, contamination encompasses a broad spectrum of undesirable impurities across multiple domains.
Synonyms: Pollution, Impurity, Corruption, Defilement, Adulteration, Infection, Degradation, Taint
In Dutch: Verontreiniging; In Finnish: Saastuminen; In Spanish: °ä´Ç²Ô³Ù²¹³¾¾±²Ô²¹³¦¾±Ã³²Ô; In German: Kontamination
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Contamination'
In Hinduism, contamination denotes uncleanliness from contact with impurities, necessitating purification. It encompasses both physical states of filth tied to sinful tendencies and the belief that elements like the sun remain untouched by such contamination.
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The impurities or sinful tendencies that arise from material desires.[1]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The state of being contaminated, from which various elements such as the sun and fire are considered free.[2]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Contamination refers to the state of being unclean due to contact with impure people or substances, necessitating purification measures.[3]
Jain concept of 'Contamination'
In Jainism, "Contamination" signifies elements that diminish the purity of food, including contact with living beings or certain environmental factors, highlighting the religion's emphasis on maintaining spiritual and physical cleanliness.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Substances or factors that compromise the purity of food, such as associations with live objects or specific environmental elements.[4]
The concept of Contamination in scientific sources
Contamination involves harmful substances in food that threaten safety and health, as noted by regional sources. It highlights the critical need for food safety measures to prevent health risks associated with contaminated food products.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) Contamination is the presence of microorganisms, and the study looked at the contamination rate of stethoscopes used by clinicians.[5] (2) This is the presence of harmful substances or infectious agents on a surface or in a material.[6]