Which is a chemical decontamination method?

• A. Chemical Degradation
• B. Absorption
• C. Vacuuming
• D. Heating

Answer: (A)

Chemical decontamination uses reactive chemicals to transform the contaminant, reducing its toxicity or rendering it inert. Chemical degradation specifically means breaking the contaminant down into smaller or less harmful substances through chemical reactions such as hydrolysis, oxidation, reduction, or neutralization. By applying a decon agent that promotes these reactions, the hazardous compound is converted into safer products, which is the essence of chemical decontamination.

Absorption traps or holds contaminants on a material, removing them without changing their chemical identity. Vacuuming physically removes particulates but does not neutralize the chemical. Heating can remove or volatilize substances, or cause some breakdown, but it isn’t a deliberate chemical neutralization process.