What is the term for the process of decontaminating large groups of people?

The process of decontaminating large groups of people is referred to as Mass Decontamination. This term is used to describe the streamlined procedures that are put in place to efficiently remove hazardous substances from many individuals at once, especially in emergency situations where exposure to contaminants could pose significant health risks.

Mass Decontamination is critical during incidents such as chemical spills, biological threats, or any situation where a large number of people may have been exposed to hazardous materials. The goal is not only to protect the individuals involved but also to prevent further spread of contaminants, thereby ensuring public safety.

While other forms of decontamination, such as Emergency Decontamination or Technical DECON, are specialized and applied in specific contexts, Mass Decontamination is broader in scope, focusing on rapid and effective decontamination for groups of people. Routine Responder DECON typically refers to the decontamination of first responders and is not aimed at large populations but rather on individual personnel following a specific incident.