chemical time bomb

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.14520
Substance or substances in a component of the environment which are not currently bioavailable but which may become bioavailable at an unknown time in the future with harmful consequences.
Source:
PAC, 2009, 81, 829. (Glossary of terms used in ecotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2009)) on page 856 [Terms] [Paper]