What term describes the process of reducing pathogenic microorganisms using physical or chemical methods?

The process of reducing pathogenic microorganisms using physical or chemical methods is known as decontamination. This term encompasses various techniques that aim to make an object, surface, or environment safe for use by minimizing the presence of harmful microbes.

Decontamination can include methods like cleaning, disinfection, and sanitization, which are designed to remove or kill pathogens to a level that is deemed safe for public health. It is particularly relevant in healthcare settings, laboratories, and any environment where health and safety are priorities.

In contrast, sanitation refers specifically to practices that maintain health through cleanliness and often involves the removal of debris and dirt, potentially reducing the number of pathogens but not necessarily eliminating them to the extent that decontamination does. Sterilization, on the other hand, completely eliminates all forms of microbial life, including spores, making it a more rigorous process than decontamination. Disposal involves the proper discarding of waste materials rather than the treatment of surfaces or items to reduce pathogens.