What is the difference between primary and secondary decontamination?

What is the difference between primary and secondary decontamination?

• A. Decontamination is the same for all individuals.
• B. Primary decontamination occurs after secondary decontamination.
• C. Primary decontamination is for responders; secondary is for victims or equipment as they leave the decon corridor.
• D. There is no difference between primary and secondary decontamination.

Answer: (C)

Primary decontamination is the quick, initial cleaning done right at the edge of the hot zone to remove most of the contaminant from responders and exposed individuals. It’s performed early, often at the scene, so people can continue working and victims can be moved away from the source with minimal spread.

Secondary decontamination is the more thorough cleaning that happens as people or equipment pass through the decon corridor into the cold zone. It targets what remains after the first pass, ensuring any residual contamination on people or gear is removed before they enter a non-contaminated area.

So the difference is about timing and depth: primary is fast, near the scene and focused on reducing bulk contamination for responders; secondary is a later, more complete clean as they leave the decon corridor for the clean zone.