What is the purpose of decontamination?

The purpose of decontamination is primarily to remove contaminants such as microorganisms to ensure safety and prevent infection or contamination. This process is essential in laboratory settings and healthcare environments, where the presence of pathogens can pose significant risks to both personnel and patients. Decontamination methods can include physical cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization, all aimed at reducing the number of viable microorganisms to a safe level.

While destroying all microbial life (which pertains to sterilization) is an important aspect in certain contexts, it goes beyond the general scope of decontamination. Neutralizing chemical agents and purifying water serve different purposes and are not strictly categorized under decontamination. Thus, focusing on removing contaminants accurately captures the essence of what decontamination entails in both medical and laboratory practices.