Physical Methods of microbial control

Decontamination

destruction, removal or reduction in the number of undesirable microbes

sterilization

the removal or destruction of all viable microbes

disinfection

destruction of vegetative pathogens on inanimate objects

sepsis

the growth of microorganisms in the tissues

asepsis

techniques that prevent the entry of microorganisms into sterile tissue

antiseptics

chemicals used on body surfaces

sanitization

cleansing technique that removes microorganisms and debris from inanimate objects

degermination

cleansing technique that removes microorganisms and debris from living tissue

dry heat

incineration results in sterilization

moist heat

boiling water and pasteurization results in disinfection

ionizing radiation

gamma radiation

DNA breakages

ultraviolet radiation

nonionizing

damages DNA