The soiling or pollution by inferior material, as by the introduction of organisms into a wound, or sewage into a stream.
The presence of pathogens or nonpathogens on inanimate objects, decontamination.
The action of contaminating something, or the state of being contaminated.
Inclusion, intentionally or accidentally, of unwanted substances or factors; pollution.
The act of contaminating, especially the introduction of pathogens or infectious material into or on normally clean or sterile objects, spaces, or surfaces.
Exposure to environmental contaminants in doses sufficient to cause adverse health effects.
The presence, or the reasonably anticipated presence, of blood or other potentially infectious materials on an item’s surface or visible debris or residues such as dust, hair, and skin.