Contaminants can enter food and water through various pathways:
Agricultural runoff: Pesticides and fertilizers from farms can leach into water supplies. Industrial discharge: Factories can release harmful chemicals into waterways. Improper food handling: Contamination can occur during processing, storage, and preparation. Natural sources: Some contaminants, like arsenic, naturally occur in the environment. Waste disposal: Improper disposal of waste can lead to contamination of soil and water.