Commander Charles Tucker III undergoing decontamination in 2151.
A decontamination chamber (sometimes shortened to decon chamber) was a facility found aboard starships.
Decontamination chambers were used aboard Earth starships and early Federation starships for personnel to undergo decontamination when returning to the ship after being exposed to potentially hazardous substances or infectious material. The chamber was usually located adjacent to the vessel's shuttle or launch bay. It was secured from the outside to prevent personnel from leaving before the decontamination procedure was complete thereby exposing the rest of the crew. The chief medical officer, or other medical staff, would dispense special decontamination gels or creams to facilitate the removal of the contaminants. (ENT episodes: "Broken Bow", "Sleeping Dogs", ENT - Rise of the Federation novel: A Choice of Futures)
In 2345, the crew of the Cardassian starship Kevalu transported Odo aboard their starship directly to their decon chamber in their decontamination lab. Malyn Ocett and Veda viewed Odo from outside the chamber. (ST - Terok Nor novel: Night of the Wolves)
Notable usage[]
- The first time a decontamination chamber was used aboard an NX-class starship was in 2151. Subcommander T'Pol and Commander Charles Tucker III applied decon gel to each other after becoming exposed to protocystian spores on Rigel X. (ENT episode: "Broken Bow")
- In April 2163, the decon chamber aboard the Columbia-class USS Endeavour was used to hold an atmosphere comfortable for two captured Mutes. (ENT - Rise of the Federation novel: A Choice of Futures)
Ship classes with decon chambers[]
External link[]
- Decontamination chamber article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.