Which of the following is one of the four major categories of decontamination?

Decontamination is a critical process in hazardous materials response, and it is typically categorized into four major types to effectively manage and mitigate contamination. One of these primary categories is gross decontamination. This type involves the initial removal of significant amounts of contaminants from individuals or equipment to prevent further exposure or spread. Gross decontamination usually takes place immediately after a contamination event and often employs methods such as water, soap, or other solvents to wash away contaminants.

The other categories—micro, nano, and fine—do not represent standard classifications in decontamination methods. Instead, the focus on the gross level emphasizes the importance of swiftly reducing visible contamination before moving on to more thorough cleaning procedures, which may involve finer levels of decontamination in subsequent phases. Thus, gross decontamination serves as an essential first step in managing hazardous material incidents effectively.