Decontamination

Decontamination removes substances of regulatory concern, such as noxious chemicals or radioactive material, and renders the decontaminated item “clean” or less contaminated. No single decontamination technique is completely adequate for all decontamination situations, although there may be an optimum technique or combination of techniques for a specific application. It has often been found that the results depend more on the knowledge, skill, and training of those planning and conducting the decontamination operation than on the inherent characteristics and capabilities of a particular technique. It should also be noted that the cost of decontamination should be weighed against its benefit. This is particularly true for nuclear decommissioning activities where decontamination can be an unnecessary step.