What does the term porous mean?

The term "porous" refers to a material that is made or constructed in such a way that it has openings or spaces within it, allowing fluids or gases to pass through. Porous materials can absorb liquids and air due to these tiny openings. This property is significant in various fields, including esthetics and sanitation, where the ability for materials to allow penetration can impact cleaning protocols, disinfection practices, and overall hygiene.

For instance, in a salon setting, understanding which tools and surfaces are porous is crucial because porous materials can harbor bacteria and other pathogens more easily than non-porous materials. This necessitates different cleaning and disinfection strategies to ensure safety and health standards are maintained.