Which of the following is considered the lowest level of decontamination?

Sanitation is recognized as the lowest level of decontamination. It involves the practice of reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level, typically through means such as washing with soap and water or using a sanitizer. This process is crucial in maintaining hygiene standards and preventing the spread of infectious agents, particularly in environments like nail salons.

On the other hand, disinfection and sterilization represent higher levels of decontamination. Disinfection eliminates a broader range of pathogens but does not necessarily kill all spores or viruses, whereas sterilization involves completely eliminating all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, typically through methods like autoclaving or chemical sterilants. Cleaning is also a fundamental step that removes dirt and impurities but does not involve any methods to specifically kill or reduce pathogens. Therefore, among these options, sanitation firmly stands as the foundational step in infection control practices.