What is the term for the process of becoming unclean?

The process referred to as becoming unclean is known as contamination. This term encompasses a variety of scenarios, including the introduction of harmful microorganisms, chemicals, or other substances to an otherwise clean environment or object. Contamination indicates that something has been soiled or made impure, which can occur in healthcare settings, food preparation areas, or other contexts where cleanliness is critical.

Infection pertains to the invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms, which can lead to disease, but it does not specifically denote the state of being unclean. Infestation generally refers to the presence of parasites in or on a host, which is a different concept focusing more on living organisms. Decontamination, on the other hand, is the process intended to remove contaminants and reduce or eliminate the risk of infection, making something clean again, rather than the act of becoming unclean. Thus, contamination accurately describes the initial state of becoming unclean.