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This paper first reviews the sources of inclusions in continuous casting of steel including both indigenous and exogenous inclusions, focusing on reoxidation, slag entrainment, lining erosion and inclusion agglomeration on linings. Secondly, the resulting defects in continuous cast steel products are reviewed, such as flange cracked cans, slag spots, and line defects on the surface of rolled sheet. Thirdly, the current “state-of-the-art” in the evaluation of steel cleanliness is summarized, discussing over 30 different methods including direct and indirect methods. Finally, this paper reviews operating practices to improve steel cleanliness at the tundish and continuous caster.