Contaminate
Contaminate /kənˈtæm.ɪ.neɪt/ (verb)
to make something dirty or impure, to influence something negatively, taint, dirty, soil, pollute, foul, infect, sully:
Fossil fuels have a key role in contaminating the atmosphere, jeopardizing public health.
Sewage system prevents the chemicals from contaminating the environment.
Nowadays pollution and contaminating the sources of water become a horrible issue all over the world.
Great example!