Which term means the removal or neutralization of a hazardous material?

• A. Decommission
• B. Decontamination
• C. Demarcation
• D. Finishes

Answer: (B)

Decontamination is the process of removing or neutralizing hazardous material to prevent exposure. It involves cleaning away contaminants from people, equipment, surfaces, or rooms, and may include washing, disinfection, or chemical neutralization to render the hazard harmless. In practice, decontamination reduces risk by eliminating contaminants so they can no longer cause infection or injury.

Decommission means shutting down or retiring equipment or facilities, not specifically removing contaminants. Demarcation is about marking boundaries or zones to control access. Finishes refer to surface coatings or final textures on surfaces. These terms don’t describe removing or neutralizing contamination, which is what decontamination does.