“Even the finest sword plunged into salt water will eventually rust.” Sun Tzu
Iron and water do not dwell together well. A sword can get wet with no harm to the blade, but extended time in water will cause the iron to rust, changing its color and properties. And like salt in a wound, salt in the water makes it worse.
A toxic environment will destroy even the strongest steel over time. Slowly, the water will leach into the substance and pollute the metal, slowly burning it (oxidization) and weakening the blade.
It will lose its edge.
It will become fragile.
It will be brittle and easily broken.
The sword is corrupted and becomes useless, even if it looks ok on the outside.
What environment are you in?