Which of the following is an example of secondary contamination?

Secondary contamination refers to the transfer of hazardous materials from one person or object to another, typically occurring when someone comes into contact with contaminated items rather than directly with a hazardous source. Handling a contaminated tool exemplifies secondary contamination because it illustrates how a person can pick up harmful substances from an object that has already been exposed to hazardous materials.

In this context, when an individual handles a tool that has been contaminated, they can inadvertently transfer that contamination to themselves or other surfaces, increasing the risk of spreading the hazardous materials further. This understanding emphasizes the importance of proper decontamination procedures and awareness of how contaminants can be transferred in various environments.

In contrast, ingesting contaminated food constitutes primary contamination because the person directly consumes a hazardous substance. Skin contact with hazardous materials is also categorized as primary contamination since it involves direct exposure. Sneezing in a contaminated area does not directly involve contact with a contaminant but rather disperses particles, which can pose a risk but does not exemplify the concept of secondary contamination as directly as handling a contaminated tool.