Which are general methods used for decontamination?

Which are general methods used for decontamination?

• A. Dilution
• B. Absorption
• C. Degradation
• D. All of the Above

Answer: (D)

In decontamination, reducing or removing hazardous material can be achieved through several broad approaches, and all three listed methods fit that goal. Dilution lowers the concentration of the contaminant by adding clean water or solvent, making what remains easier to manage and less risky. Absorption captures contaminants onto an absorbent material or media, removing them from the surface or liquid. Degradation breaks the contaminant down into less harmful substances, either chemically or biologically, reducing its toxicity or persistence. Each method addresses different contaminant properties and scenarios, so they are all considered general, widely used decontamination approaches. In practice, responders often combine them—for example, washing with dilution, then absorbing the wash solution, and applying degradation when appropriate.

In decontamination, reducing or removing hazardous material can be achieved through several broad approaches, and all three listed methods fit that goal. Dilution lowers the concentration of the contaminant by adding clean water or solvent, making what remains easier to manage and less risky. Absorption captures contaminants onto an absorbent material or media, removing them from the surface or liquid. Degradation breaks the contaminant down into less harmful substances, either chemically or biologically, reducing its toxicity or persistence. Each method addresses different contaminant properties and scenarios, so they are all considered general, widely used decontamination approaches. In practice, responders often combine them—for example, washing with dilution, then absorbing the wash solution, and applying degradation when appropriate.