What is the lowest level of decontamination?

Sanitation is recognized as the lowest level of decontamination because it involves reducing the number of germs, dirt, and impurities on surfaces or objects to safe levels. This process is typically achieved through practices like washing with soap and water or using chemical sanitizers. The main goal of sanitation is to create an environment that minimizes the risk of infection or spread of disease, thereby ensuring safety in both personal and public settings.

In contrast, disinfection, sterilization, and cleaning represent higher levels of decontamination. Disinfection eliminates many pathogens but may not kill all microorganisms, and it often involves using chemical agents designed to destroy harmful bacteria and viruses. Sterilization achieves the highest level of decontamination by completely destroying all forms of microbial life, including spores, and is essential for surgical instruments and medical equipment. Cleaning refers more broadly to the removal of visible dirt and debris, but it does not necessarily imply that pathogens are eliminated, making it a preliminary step that can be followed by sanitation or disinfection.