Final answer:
Sanitization is a process that removes enough microorganisms and spores from a contaminated article. It is achieved through heat or antimicrobial chemicals. While sanitization aims to make the article safe for public health, it does not result in sterilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sanitization is a process that aims to remove enough microorganisms and spores from a contaminated article to achieve levels considered safe for public health. This is accomplished through the use of heat or antimicrobial chemicals.
For example, commercial dishwashers in the food service industry use hot water and air to kill most microbes and sanitize the dishes. In hospital rooms, chemical disinfectants are used to sanitize surfaces and prevent disease transmission between patients.
However, it's important to note that sanitization does not lead to sterilization, as some endospores may survive even after sanitizing.