Contamination control is a systematic process and methodological approach focused on preventing, minimizing, and managing the presence of unwanted substances or agents (contaminants) within a defined environment, process, or system. As a research field, it investigates the sources, pathways, and impacts of various contaminants, developing strategies, technologies, and protocols for their detection, exclusion, and mitigation to ensure the integrity, reliability, safety, and performance of sensitive operations and critical infrastructure.