Chemical degradation refers to the process in which a substance breaks down or decomposes due to chemical reactions, usually in the presence of external factors such as heat, light, oxygen, or other chemicals. This can lead to the deterioration of materials, loss of quality, and potentially harmful effects on the environment or human health. Understanding and studying chemical degradation is important in various fields, including materials science, environmental science, and pharmaceuticals, in order to develop strategies to prevent or minimize degradation and improve the lifespan and safety of products.