What type of decontamination focuses on the removal of contaminants through washing?

The type of decontamination that focuses on the removal of contaminants through washing is chemical decontamination. This process often involves using water and cleaning agents to effectively dissolve and wash away hazardous substances from surfaces, equipment, or skin. Chemical decontamination is particularly effective when trying to eliminate soluble contaminants or hazardous materials that can be easily washed off.

Washing encompasses various methods, including scrubbing or rinsing with solutions designed to neutralize or remove specific types of contaminants. This contrasts with other types of decontamination techniques, which might not emphasize the washing action. For example, absorption involves taking up or soaking up contaminants without necessarily washing them away, while physical decontamination could include methods like vacuuming or wiping that may not always involve washing with fluids. Operational decontamination generally refers to practices carried out during operations to minimize contamination without necessarily employing washing techniques.