True or false: Responders in the hot zone may become contaminated during control operations. If they then carry that contamination outside the hot zone, they may contaminate others.

• A. Not true
• B. False
• C. Not necessarily
• D. True

Answer: (D)

Contamination can be carried out of the hot zone and spread to others if proper decontamination doesn’t happen before leaving. In the hot zone, responders may come into contact with hazardous material, so their PPE and clothing can become contaminated. If they exit without correct doffing and decontamination, contaminants can transfer to other people, equipment, or surfaces, creating secondary contamination. That's why strict exit procedures—decontamination steps, proper doffing, and maintaining clean and contaminated zones—are essential. The statement is true: responders in the hot zone may be contaminated during control operations, and carrying that contamination outside can contaminate others.