What is the term for the removal of pathogens from tools and surfaces?

The term for the removal of pathogens from tools and surfaces is decontamination. This process involves reducing the number of pathogenic microorganisms to a safe level, effectively making tools and surfaces less hazardous to health.

Decontamination can include cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting, which are all procedures aimed at reducing microbial loads. However, while sanitation typically involves reducing the number of microbes on surfaces to levels considered safe, it does not necessarily mean that all pathogens are removed or killed. Disinfection, on the other hand, refers specifically to the use of chemicals or other methods to kill a wide range of microorganisms but may not eliminate all bacterial spores. Sterilization is the complete destruction of all forms of microbial life, including spores, and is often used in surgical settings rather than in general barbershop practices.

Therefore, decontamination encompasses a broader scope focused on making tools and surfaces safe from pathogens, making it the most fitting term among the provided options.