What is the primary purpose of mass decontamination?

The primary purpose of mass decontamination is to conduct gross decontamination on a large group of individuals who may have been exposed to hazardous materials. This process is essential in emergency response situations, particularly when a significant number of people may have been contaminated, such as in a chemical spill or an incident involving a hazardous substance.

Gross decontamination focuses on the rapid removal of contaminants from the skin and clothing, which can effectively reduce the risk of further exposure and spread of harmful substances. This approach is typically done in a large-scale setting, using techniques such as showers, water sprays, or other methods designed to efficiently decontaminate multiple individuals at once to ensure the safety of victims before they are further treated or transported.

In contrast, other options involve individual decontamination, preparation for transport of victims, or testing for hazardous materials, which are not the main focus of mass decontamination. Mass decontamination aims to address the urgent need for safety and health in situations where numerous individuals are affected simultaneously, highlighting the critical nature of a swift and coordinated response.