Which statement best defines decontamination?

Decontamination refers to the process of cleaning hazardous substances from an environment to reduce or eliminate contamination. This can involve removing hazardous materials from surfaces, washing equipment, or treating individuals who may have come into contact with harmful substances. The goal is to restore the environment or items to a safe condition, minimizing health risks to individuals who might encounter them.

The other options present actions that do not define decontamination accurately. Exposing materials to harmful conditions does not align with the goal of making an area safe; rather, it increases risk. Safely disposing of confirmed hazards addresses the management of hazardous materials but does not encompass the broader cleaning process involved in decontamination. Reinforcing areas of high contamination could lead to misinterpretation, as it implies fortifying contaminated zones rather than cleaning them. Therefore, the definition that best encapsulates the essence of decontamination is the one that emphasizes cleaning hazardous substances from the environment.