indoor air quality specialists
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The EPA |
| Glossary of Terms
If you come across a word on our site you don't recognize, check our glossary below. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z algae - microscopic plants which contain chlorophyll and live floating or suspended in water. They also may be attached to structures, rocks or other submerged surfaces. They are food for fish and small aquatic animals. Excess algal growths can impart tastes and odors to potable water. Algae produce oxygen during sunlight hours and use oxygen during the night hours. Their biological activities appreciably affect the pH and dissolved oxygen of the water. algal bloom -sudden, massive growths of microscopic and macroscopic plant life, algae, and cyanobacteria, which develop in lakes, reservoirs, and marine waters algicide - any substance or chemical specifically formulated to kill or control algae allergen - something that causes an allergy, allergic response, or hypersensitivity allergy - an exaggerated or inappropriate immune response initiated by exposures to antigens such as mold spores, pollen, or certain drugs and foods ambient - environmental or surrounding conditions amplification - (amplification source) the process of indoor growth leading to an increased indoor microbial concentration compared to the immediate outdoor environment anti-allergenic – property of a device, substance or product which ensures no adverse reaction in people normally sensitized by allergies. antibodies - proteins in the blood that are generated in reaction to foreign proteins or polysaccharides; also called "immunoglobulins" Anderson sampler - a sieve-type air sampling device that uses a vacuum pump to draw air through a radial pattern of 300 small holes, impacting particles in each of the small streams of air onto the surface of microbial growth medium. antigen - a substance or molecule that is recognized by the immune system. The molecule can be from a foreign material such as bacteria or viruses. aspergillosis - a group of diseases caused by the fungus Aspergillus; affected tissues may include lungs, bronchial airways, sinus cavities, ears, and eyes asthma - an immediate hypersensitivity (allergy) resulting in respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of constriction within the chest or bronchial airways. background level - the average presence of a chemical substance or microorganism in the environment, originally referring to naturally occurring phenomena bacteria - microorganisms with prokaryotic cell organization (lacking membrane-bounded nucleus and other specialized features); bacteria are also typically much smaller than fungi (molds) bedbug – small, nocturnal, blood-sucking insects that live on humans or other live hosts. bioaerosol - an airborne dispersion of particles containing whole or parts of biological entities, such as bacteria, viruses, dust mites, fungal hyphae, or fungal spores biocide - substances such as antibiotics, bacterialcides, or fungicides that are capable of destroying living organisms black water - liquid and solid human body waste and the carriage water generated through toilet usage bronchitis - an inflammation of the bronchi (lung airways), resulting in persistent cough that produces consideration quantities of sputum (phlegm) BRI - building-related illness: a recognized disease that can be attributed to airborne building bioaerosols or chemical pollutants carcinogenic -cancer-producing or cancer-causing carriers - seemingly healthy people who harbor disease-causing microbes in the body and who can infect others by passing the microbes on to them cell - the smallest and most fundamental unit of life chlorination - The application of chlorine to water, generally for the purpose of disinfection, but frequently for accomplishing other biological or chemical results (aiding coagulation and controlling tastes and odors) chronic - occurring over a long period of time, either continuously or intermittently; used to describe ongoing exposures and effects that develop only after a long exposure chronic exposure - long-term, low-level exposure to a toxic chemical or microorganism contact dermatitis - a rash or inflammation of the skin caused by contact with biological or chemical substances. The reaction may be an immunologic response or a direct toxic effect of the substance. Among the more common causes of a contact dermatitis reaction are detergents, metals, chemicals in rubber gloves and condoms, certain cosmetics, plants such as poison ivy, and topical medications. Counteractant - a substance used to neutralize the malodor. Dander - skin and hair fragments shed by humans and other animals decomposition - the conversion of chemically unstable materials to more stable forms by chemical or biological action. If organic matter decays when there is no oxygen present (anaerobic conditions or putrefaction), undesirable tastes and odors are produced. Decay of organic matter when oxygen is present (aerobic conditions) tends to produce much less objectionable tastes and odors. degradation -chemical or biological breakdown of a complex compound into simpler compounds dermal exposure -contact between a microorganism (or chemical) and the skin Der p 1 - an allergen found in house dust mite droppings. A common cause for irritations and allergic reactions usually attributed to dust. dew point - the temperature at which water would condense from the air if the air mass were cooled. In general, when the relative humidity is high, the dew point will be close to the air temperature. At 100% relative humidity, the dew point is equal to the air temperature. When the relative humidity is low, the dew point is much lower than the air temperature. disease - a state in which a function or part of the body is no longer in a healthy condition Disinfection - the process of killing disease-causing organisms dust mite - a house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), sometimes abbreviated by allergists to HDM, is a small insect that is a common guest in human habitation. The dust mite droppings are the most common cause of allergic rhinitis and asthma on this planet – they contain an allergen that can irritate a person, or cause an allergic reaction. extrinsic asthma - asthma that is triggered by an allergic reaction, usually something that is inhaled encapsulation - the sealing of a malodor causing substance preventing further odor escape. enzyme - a protein used to fuel the reaction of “good” bacteria digesting urea crystals in urine contamination treatments. fecal coliform bacteria - bacteria found in the intestinal tracts of animals. Their presence is an indicator of pollution and possible contamination by other pathogens. feces (dust-mite or bedbug) – excrement of these small parasite insects. Has been shown to be a powerful factor in allergies. fogging - a method of treating enclosed space for more complete odor removal and disinfection. fungus - (pl. fungi) a kingdom of organisms (equal in rank to the Plant Kingdom or the Animal Kingdom) defined technically as a parasite or saprobeic, filamentous or single-celled eukaryotic organism, devoid of chlorophyll and characterized by heterotrophic growth, and the production of extracellular enzymes. Fungi include yeasts, molds, mildews, and mushrooms. fungicide - a chemical compound capable of inhibiting or destroying the growth of fungi gastroenteritis - an inflammation of the stomach and intestine resulting in diarrhea, with vomiting and cramps when irritation is excessive. When caused by an infectious agent, it is often associated with fever. HVAC - Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning HEPA filter - High Efficiency Particulate Air filters that have been tested to assure removal of 99.9% of particles 0.3 µm in size. Another benefit of a HEPA air filtration system is that it can remove harmful V.O.C.'s (Volatile Organic Compounds) which are gases that come from house-hold chemicals and synthetic materials. host - an individual who is parasitized or infected by a parasite or pathogen human health risk - the likelihood (or probability) that a given exposure or series of exposures may have or will damage the health of individuals experiencing the exposures hygrometer - instrument used to measure relative humidity hypersensitivity - an allergy; an exaggerated or inappropriate immune response categorized based on which part of the immune system that is involved and the onset of response (i.e. Types I, II, III, IV) immune system - a complex network of specialized cells, tissues, and organs that defends the body against attacks by disease-causing microbes immunization - vaccination or other process that induces protection (immunity) against infection or disease caused by a microbe immunoglobulins - proteins in the blood that are generated in reaction to foreign proteins or polysaccharides; also called "antibodies" impermeable - not easily penetrated. The property of a material that des not allow, or allows only with great difficulty, the movement or passage of water. infection - a state in which disease-causing microbes have invaded or multiplied in body tissues ingestion - type of exposure that occurs through the mouth inhalation - type of exposure that occurs through the lungs intrinsic asthma - asthma that has no apparent external cause ion - an electrically charged atom, radical (such as SO 4 2-), or molecule formed by the loss or gain of one or more electrons ionization - the splitting or dissociation (separation) of molecules into negatively and positively charged ions keratitis - microbial infections of the cornea (eye); when caused by a fungus, it is referred to as mycotic keratitis latent - present but not seen; a latent viral infection is one in which no virus can be found in the blood cells but in which those virus-infected cells can produce virus under certain circumstances Legionnaires' Disease (Legionellosis) - a form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionellae; first discovered in 1976 from infected persons attending the Legionnaires meeting in Philadelphia malodor – nasty or foul smell noticeable by humans masking agent – a substance used to cover or hide a malodor, does not remove the problem mattress cover – protective anti-allergenic cover preventing bed-bug ingestion / inhalation. microbe - a general or non-specific term for any microorganism such as bacteria, fungi (molds), algae, or protozoa microgram (µg) - one-millionth of a gram (3.5 x 10-8 oz. 0.000000035 oz.) micrometer (µm) or micron - a unit of length. One millionth of a meter or one thousandth of a millimeter. One micron equals 0.00004 of an inch. microscopic - too small to be seen with the naked eye mildew - a common name for mold or fungi; often used in reference to fungal growth on bathroom tiles and fixtures mold - a common name for fungi that grow in a filamentous fashion and reproduce by means of spores; all molds are fungi, but not all fungi are considered 'molds' molecules - the smallest physical units of a substance that still retain the chemical properties of that chemical substance; molecules are the building blocks of a cell. Some examples are proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. mycology - the scientific study of fungi (Kingdom Fungi or Mycota) mycosis - an infection caused by fungi (mold) (pl. mycoses) mycotoxicosis - any disease caused by fungal toxins (mycotoxins) mycotoxins - a diverse class of poisonous compounds produced by certain mushrooms and other fungi; mycotoxins are produced on the surface of mold spores and remain toxic even after the spore is dead Odor (Odour) – scent or fragrance of all substances noticed by humans odor threshold - the minimum odor of a water sample that can just be detected after successive dilutions with odorless water. Also called THRESHOLD ODOR. olfactory fatigue - a condition in which a person's nose, after exposure to certain odors, is no longer able to detect the odor olfactory nerve – the nerve which senses and converts the Odor molecules to electrical signals for the brain to use. organic - substances that come from animal or plant sources. Organic substances always contain carbon. (Inorganic materials are chemical substances of mineral origin.) oxidation - oxidation is the addition of oxygen, removal of hydrogen, or the removal of electrons from an element or compound. In the environment, organic matter is oxidized to more stable substances. The opposite of reduction. oxidizing agent - any substance, such as oxygen (O 2) or chlorine (Cl 2), that will readily add (take on) electrons. The opposite is a reducing agent. ozonation - the application of ozone to water or air-space for disinfection or for taste and odor control Pairing agent – substance designed to combine with the malodorous molecules to produce a fresher, more acceptable scent. parasites - plants or animals that live, grow, and feed on or within another living organism particulate - a very small solid suspended in air or water which can vary widely in size, shape, density, and electrical charge pathogen - a microorganism that causes a disease response pH - an expression of the intensity of the basic or acid condition of a liquid. Mathematically, pH is the logarithm (base 10) of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion concentration, [H+]. pH= Log (I/[H+]) The pH may range from 0 to 14, where 0 is most acid, 14 most basic, and 7 neutral. Natural waters usually have a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. pillow covers – anti-allergenic protective covers for bed pillows to prevent inhalation of bedbug dander and feces pneumonia - a disease characterized by the inflammation of the lungs; often caused by bacteria or certain species of fungi ppm - parts per million. Also mg/L or milligrams per liter. putrefaction - biological decom- position of organic matter, with the production of ill- smelling and tasting products, associated with anaerobic (no oxygen present) conditions qualitative - descriptive of kind, type or direction, as opposed to size, magnitude or degree quantitative - descriptive of size, magnitude or degree reducing agent - any substance, such as base metal (iron) or the sulfide ion (S2-), that will readily donate (give up) electrons. The opposite is an oxidizing agent. reduction - reduction is the addition of hydrogen, removal of oxygen, or the addition of electrons to an element or compound. Under anaerobic conditions (no dissolved oxygen present), sulfur compounds are reduced to odor-producing hydrogen sulfide (H 2S and other com- pounds. The opposite of oxidation. relative humidity - an expression of how much moisture is in the air as a percentage of the total moisture the air can contain at the current temperature. For example, if the air has all the water vapor that it can contain at a given temperature, the relative humidity is 100%; if the air has only half of the vapor that it can contain at a given temperature, the relative humidity is 50%. representative sample - a portion of material or water that is as nearly identical in content and consistency as possible to that in the larger body of material or water being sampled residual chlorine - the amount of free and/or available chlorine remaining after a given contact time under specified conditions respiration - the process in which an organism uses oxygen for its life processes and gives off carbon dioxide respiratory disease - a condition in which a person's lungs or upper throat have been compromised due to a foreign body infecting them. risk assessment - a qualitative or quantitative evaluation of the environmental and/or health risk resulting from exposure to a chemical or microorganism; combines exposure assessment results with toxicity assessment results to estimate risk. route of exposure - the avenue by which a chemical comes into contact with an organism (e.g., inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact, injection) safe - condition of exposure under which there is a "practical certainty" that no harm will result in exposed individuals Sanitizing - process to reduce the number of disease-causing organisms Shock Treatment - treatment which uses extreme methods or aggressive techniques to eradicate a problem from a space or area Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) - a set of symptoms associated with indoor exposure to chemicals or microorganisms characterized by headaches; eye, nose and throat irritations; fatigue; and skin disorders sinusitis - inflammation of the membrane lining the facial sinuses (air cavities within facial bones), often caused by bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. skin tests - tests for an allergy or infectious disease performed by a patch test, scratch test, or an intracutaneous injection of an allergen or extract of the disease-causing organism spores - reproductive units or specialized cells that provide the primary means for dispersal and survival; many fungal (mold) spores are capable of long term dormancy and are therefore referred to as resistant spores or resting spores sterilization - the removal or destruction of all microorganisms, including pathogenic and other bacteria, vegetative forms and spores tissues - groups of similar cells joined to perform the same function toxigenic - a substance or biological entity that has the property itself or can produce one or more compounds that have the property to harm humans or other animals Type I Hypersensitivity (anaphylactic reactions) - an immediate, usually localized response to allergens such as fungi, pollen, dust mites, or animal dander; examples of this type of disorder include insect stings, asthma, food allergies, drug reactions, and hives; type of antibodies involved: IgE Type II Hypersensitivity (cytotoxic reactions) - a delayed response (usually within hours or days) involving reactions against antigens located on target cells which are then destroyed; examples of this type of disorder include blood transfusions reactions and hemolytic disease of newborns (involving Rh factors); type of antibodies involved: IgG, IgM Type III Hypersensitivity (immune-complex reactions) - a delayed response (usually within hours or days) involving insoluble antigen-antibody complexes which cause tissue necrosis (death) and acute inflammation; examples of this type of disorder include Farmer's Lung (caused by fungi and other microorganisms), serum sickness, and malaria; type of antibodies involved IgG, IgM Type IV Hypersensitivity (cell-mediated response) - a delayed response to microorganisms, tissue transplants, or chemicals that cause cellular inflammation; examples of this type of disorder include contact dermatitis, and Tuberculosis reactions (Mantoux test); type of antibodies involved: none Urea – crystalline residue of urine contamination on flooring and subfloor. urticaria - a skin condition, commonly known as hives, characterized by the development of itchy, raised white lumps surrounded by an area of red inflammation VOCs - volatile organic compounds; some VOCs are of industrial origin whereas others are produced by microorganisms vaccines - substances that contain parts of antigens from an infectious organism. By stimulating an immune response (but not disease), they protect the body against subsequent infection by that organism. viable - capable of living, developing, or germinating under favorable conditions; capable of success or ongoing effectiveness volatile - readily vaporizable at a relatively low temperature wood-decay fungi - fungi that are capable of decomposing various components of wood; categorized as either soft-rot fungi, brown-rot fungi, or white-rot fungi yeast - a group of single-celled fungi characterized by the ability to reproduce by budding Toll Free: 1 888 ODORONIX (1-888-636-7664) |
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