In the context of toxicology, the term "biodegradable" refers to the ability of a substance to be broken down by natural processes, such as microbial action, into harmless components. This is crucial because it determines the persistence of chemicals in the environment and their potential to cause harm. Biodegradable substances are generally considered to be less harmful compared to non-biodegradable substances, which can accumulate and pose long-term risks to ecosystems and human health.
