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that is over 100 years old. cp "semi-antique"
appraisal - An evaluation of the quantity, quality or value; the

process through which estimates of property value or restoration

costs (structure and/or contents) are obtained.
aqueous - Pertaining to water. Made from, with or by water: water-

based.
asbestos - A naturally occurring mineral fiber that is highly flame

resistant and can cause cancer. Asbestos is sometimes found in common

construction materials including: siding, paints, caulking,

insulation materials, ceiling tiles, vinyl asbestos tile floor

coverings, etc. At one time asbestos fiber was used in theater

curtains, ironing board covers, potholders and other fabrics where

flame-proofing and heat-resistance are required.
asbestos abatement - Procedures to control fiber release from ACM in

a building, or to remove it entirely. These may involve removal,

encapsulation, repair, enclosure, encasement, and operations and

maintenance programs. asbestos containing material (ACM) - Any

material containing one or more percent of asbestos.
asepsis - Prevention from contamination with microorganisms. Free or

freed from pathogenic microorganisms.
ASHRAE - see "American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-

conditioning Engineers."
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(IICRC S500) Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration

Certification Standard IICRC S500
aspergillosis — A diseased condition caused by an imperfect fungi

(mold) of the genus Aspergillus, marked by inflammatory granulomatous

lesions of the skin, ears, nasal sinuses, lungs, and sometimes bone

and meninges. Aspergillus — A genus of imperfect fungi, of the class,

Hyphomycetes, including species that cause food spoilage and

diseases. Some Aspergillus species, e.g., A. flavus, A. fumagatus, A.

versicolor, which commonly are found in environments with water-

damage, can produce toxins. They should be dealt with using extreme

caution. asphyxiant - A vapor or gas that limits or prohibits the

body's ability to assimilate (use) oxygen, even though sufficient

oxygen may be present, and can cause unconsciousness or death by

suffocation (lack of oxygen). In addition, some chemicals, like

carbon monoxide, function as chemical asphyxiants by reducing the

blood's ability to carry oxygen. Most simple asphyxiants are harmful

to the body only when they become so concentrated that they reduce

oxygen in the air (normally about 21%) to dangerous levels (16% or

lower). Asphyxiation is one of the principal potential hazards of

working in confined spaces.
assessment - A process performed by an indoor environmental

professional (IEP) that includes the evaluation of data obtained from

a building history and inspection to formulate an initial hypothesis

about the origin, identity, location and extent of amplification of

microbial contamination. If necessary, a sampling plan is developed,

and samples are collected and sent to a qualified laboratory for

analysis. The subsequent data is interpreted by the IEP. The IEP or

other qualified individual may then develop a remediation plan.

asthma - A condition marked by recurrent attacks of difficult or

labored breathing and wheezing resulting from spasmodic contraction

and hypersecretion of the bronchi resulting from exposure to

allergens such as drugs, foods or environmental pollutants or

intrinsic factors.
ASTM - see "American Society for Testing and Materials"
atmosphere supplying respirator - A respirator that supplies the

respirator user with breathing air from a source independent of the

ambient atmosphere, and includes supplied-air respirators (SARs) and

self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units.
atmospheric conditions, standard - An ASTM standard testing

atmospheric condition, with moisture equilibrium of 65% RH (±2%) and

temperature of 70̊F (±2%)/21̊C (±1%).
atom - Individual component of a molecule.
average moisture content (AMC) - The average of the amounts of

moisture in a specific material in the built environment (such as a

plywood subfloor) measured at several depths and points across a

grid.
[B] back pressure - Pressure against the flow of liquids or air due

to various imposed constrictions; e.g., air pressure working against

a fan (airmover) within an air stream that is being compressed, as

under a carpet or in an interstitial cavity during drying procedures.
bacilli - Any of a group of straight, cylindrical or rod-shaped

aerobic bacteria.
backcoat - Adhesive applied to the back side of woven goods. The

backcoat serves to add strength and stability to the weave, while

increasing its stiffness ("hand," or feel). back pressure - Pressure

against the flow of liquids or air due to various imposed

constrictions; e.g., air pressure working against a fan (airmover)

within an air stream that is being compressed, as under a carpet

during drying procedures.
bacteria - Extremely small (generally from 0.4-10 microns in

diameter), single-cell microscopic organisms. They are the most

numerous organisms on earth and are formed everywhere, especially in

soil. Because they are microscopic, they easily become airborne, and

they are carried in water as well. Some bacteria are able to form

spores during hostile growth conditions and these spores are some of

the most resistant forms of life known. Bacteria reproduce at a rapid

rate given proper growth conditions (food source, moisture,

temperature). Most are saprophytic (feed on non-living organisms),

though many are parasitic (feed on living organisms). Most bacteria

(and their odors) are killed or controlled with extreme heat and

sunlight (ultraviolet), or by such chemicals as alcohol, chlorine,

ammonium chlorides and others. cp "endotoxin"
bactericide - A substance that kills specific bacteria, both

pathogenic and nonpathogenic, though not necessarily all their spores

(e.g., chlorine bleach, quaternary ammonium chloride), when used

according to label directions. It differs from germicide in that it

does not claim to kill fungi, viruses and other microorganisms that

are not bacteria.
bacteriostat - A substance, usually chemical, that prevents the

growth of specific bacteria but does not necessarily kill them or

their spores when used according to label directions. Sometimes the

only difference that determines whether a substance is bacteriostatic

or bactericidal depends on the conditions of application, such as

time, temperature or pH.
balanced drying - The equalization of evaporation and

dehumidification. An ideal drying situation in which the rate of

evaporation of moisture from structure and contents is equal to or

slightly less than the rate of dehumidification or moisture removal

from the air. The objective in balanced drying is to prevent moisture

absorption from the air into unaffected materials and thus, to

minimize or eliminate secondary damage.
base - see "alkali"
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(IICRC S500) Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration

Certification Standard IICRC S500
sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach), hydrogen peroxide, and sodium

perborate. cp "oxidizing agent; reducing agent; sodium hypochlorite;

hydrogen peroxide" blight:
1. A plant disease characterized by general and rapid browning

of leaves, flowers, and stems, resulting in their death.
2. The bacterium, fungus, or virus that causes such disease.
bloodborne pathogen - Harmful microorganisms present in blood or

other potentially infectious materials, that could cause disease or

death in humans. Included among these microorganisms are hepatitis B

virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
blower:
1. A positive displacement vacuum pump.
2. A high-speed drying unit. see "airmover"
borescope - A device that can be inserted at an access point to focus

on and view inaccessible surfaces, such as interior walls of

ductwork. A monitor or camera can be attached to pictorially document

internal surface conditions.
bottom plate - The lower part of a wall frame, which rests upon and

is attached to the floor.
boundary layer - The layered air mass separating the surface of a

material from ambient air. A saturated boundary layer at the surface

of a wet material will inhibit additional evaporation from that

surface unless it is "swept" away continuously by air movement.
bound water - Water or "saps" contained within the cell walls of

structural wood materials. Bound moisture is given off gradually as

the wood dries and it has a marked effect on how the wood will stain.

Wood saps may also contain minute quantities of alcohol or terpene

compounds, both of which lower the freezing temperature and

microorganism generation capability of structural wood below that of

many other cellulosic products. cp, "free water"
BRI - see "building related illness"
British thermal unit (Btu) - A measurement of heat energy: The

quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of

distilled water one degree Fahrenheit, at or near the temperature of

maximum water density (39̊F/4̊C).
broad spectrum - Implies the ability to kill a wide variety of gram

negative or gram positive microorganisms.
bronchial - Pertaining to airways of the lung, below the larynx that

lead to the alveolar region of the lungs. Bronchial airways provide a

passageway for air movement.
bronchitis - Inflammation of mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes.
Btu - see "British thermal unit"
baseboard - A board (trim, skirting) that covers the lower portion

(base) of a wall, usually extending around the entire perimeter of a

room.
bearing wall - A wall that supports a vertical load. below grade -

Below ground level, usually a basement. Partially or completely below

ground level and in direct contact with the ground. cp "above grade"

and "on grade" bioaerosols - Airborne particles that are living or

originate from living organisms; i.e., culturable, nonculturable and

dead microorganisms) and fragments, toxins, and particulate waste

products from all varieties of living things.
biocide - Any substance that is toxic or lethal to living organisms,

such as a pesticide, herbicide, or fungicide. biodegradable - Capable

of being broken down into innocuous (harmless) products (water,

carbon dioxide) by the action of living organisms or other biological

processes. Most of today's textile cleaning detergents are

biodegradable.
biodeterioration - The deterioration of valuable materials due to

biological activity. The agents of deterioration (vectors) may be

insects, rodents or higher animals and plants.
biofilm — A matrix of microorganisms, organic and inorganic materials

that combine to create a layer or "film" on a substrate.
biological aerosols - Tiny droplets containing biological

contaminants (spores, bacteria or their by-products) that become

airborne through human (coughing, sneezing, talking) or mechanical

(HVAC) means.
biological contaminants - Unwanted agents (disease or allergy

causing) that are derived from or are living organisms (including

viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, arthropods and mammal and

bird antigens), that can be inhaled and can cause many types of

health effects, including allergic reactions, respiratory disorders,

hypersensitivity diseases, and infectious diseases. Also referred to

as microbiologicals or microbials.
biohazard — A biological material that causes harm to living

organisms.
biopollutants - Organisms, or derivatives thereof, which are living

or have lived, and which are unwanted in the earth's air, water or

environment. Examples include: bacteria, fungi, viruses, and

derivatives from mammals, arthropods and plants.
biosol - see "biological aerosol"
biostat - A substance, usually chemical, that prevents the growth of

living, usually microorganisms but does not necessarily kill them or

their spores.
"black" water - see "Categories of Water"; cp "gray water"
bleach - A cleaning, sanitizing and color removing material that

functions through a chemical reaction called oxidation. Bleaches

often are used with detergents, or by themselves to break chemical,

rather than physical bonds, as detergents do. Common bleaches used in

cleaning are
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(IICRC 5500) Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration

Certification Standard IICRC S500
building envelope - The elements of a building, including all eternal

materials, windows and walls, which enclose internal spaces.
building related illness (BRI) - A term that refers to a diagnosable

illness brought on as a result of exposure to air in a building with

specific contaminants or pathogens, and with a traceable etiology

(unlike sick building syndrome). Symptoms of BRI include specific

diseases or illnesses, including infection, fever and clinical signs

of pathology, which are identified and an airborne pathway for the

stressor is recognized. cp "sick building syndrome" bulk water —

Excess or unabsorbed water resulting from a sudden water release.

Bulk water usually is removed by draining, pumping or vacuuming.
bypass motor - A wet/dry vacuum motor that employs fans and

centrifugal force, and two sources of air; working or vacuum air and

motor cooling air.
[C]
c or C - see "centigrade"
C - The element "carbon."
case goods -
cacosmia - An hallucination of unpleasant odor (Dorland's Illustrated

Medical Dictionary). Feeling ill from odors, occurring in a sizeable

percentage of the population (Bell, et al on MCS; Indoor Air

Bulletin, Vol. 2, No. 12, 1993).
calcium chloride - A highly hygroscopic compound (CaC12) used in an

anhydrous (dry) state for testing moisture content of various

surfaces. A dry sample is weighed, then placed on a surface (concrete

slab) and allowed to absorb moisture for a specified time. Then the

sample is weighed again to determine the weight of moisture

absorption.
calibration — A measurement or comparison against a standard.

Determining equipment deviation from a standard source so as to

ascertain the proper correction factors.
Campylobacter - A highly infectious gram-negative bacterium, often

found in sewage. Gram-negative bacteria contain endotoxins, which are

released at the time of cell death and destruction, and can cause a

variety of allergic reactions and illness.
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) - The

Canadian equivalent to the U.S. OSHA, headquartered in Hamilton,

Ontario (1-800 263-8276). cp "OSHA"
Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) - A Canadian legislative

act administered by Environment Canada and Health Canada beginning in

1988. CEPA is the cornerstone of federal environmental legislation

since the 1980s, which addresses controlling toxic substances,

preventing environmental harm rather than merely reacting to

dangerous conditions after the fact, providing coherence among powers

and authorities under federal environmental statutes, enforcing

federal regulations, and encouraging penalties for environmental

offenses. Environment Canada, Environmental Protection is located at

351 St. Joseph Blvd., Hull, Quebec K1 A OH3; 819953-1652.
Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) - An organization

responsible for the representation of public health interests located

in Ottawa, Ontario and through whom IARC publications may be obtained

(613-7253769).
Canadian Standards Association (CSA) - Canadian organization (cp

"Underwriters Laboratory") responsible for the establishment of

product and testing standards. cp "ISO, ANSI, UL"
capillarity — The general behavior of fluids acting with surface

tension on interfaces or boundaries.
capillary action - The movement of a liquid through a slender

pathway. It is caused by adhesion, cohesion, and surface tension in

liquids and their contact with the solid pathway.
carbon dioxide (CO2) - A colorless, odorless, nonflammable,

potentially hazardous gas, which results primarily from human

activity indoors. It is removed from the air by plants during

photosynthesis, and converted into oxygen. Elevated levels of CO2 are

used as an indicator of ineffective ventilation indoors. Too many

people in a confined airspace can cause carbon dioxide poisoning,

with symptoms of headaches and dizziness. TLV 5,000 ppm, STEL 30,000

ppm, OSHA PEL 5,000 ppm, IDLH per NIOSH 50,000 ppm
carbon monoxide (CO) - A colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that

results from incomplete combustion of carbon. The EPA ambient air

quality TLV for carbon monoxide is 35 ppm for 1 hour, and 9 ppm for

an 8-hour period.
carcinogen - A substance or agent that can cause a growth of abnormal

tissue or tumors in humans or animals. A material identified as an

animal carcinogen does not necessarily cause cancer in humans.

Examples of human carcinogens include coal tar, (skin cancer) and

vinyl chloride (liver cancer).
carcinogenic - Able to induce a cancer response at the cellular

level.
carpet - A fabric serving as a soft floor covering which is fastened

to the subfloor, usually wall-to-wall. cp "rug" Carpet and Rug

Institute (CRI) - U.S. carpet manufacturer's trade association.
carpet dryer - see "airmover"
carpet installation - see "installation"
C.A.S. - see "Chemical Abstracts Service"
catalyst:
1. A substance that initiates a chemical reaction and allows it

to continue under less than favorable conditions.
2. An agent that provokes significant change.
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Glossary of Terms:
IICRC Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration

(IICRC S500) Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration

Certification Standard IICRC S500
Categories of Water (1-3) - The categories of water, as defmed by

this document, refer to the range of contamination in water,

considering both its originating source and its quality after it

contacts materials present on the job site. Time and temperature can

also affect the quality of water, thereby changing its category.

Restorers should consider potential contamination, defmed as the

presence of undesired substances; the identity, location and quantity

of which are not reflective of a normal indoor environment; and may

produce adverse health effects, cause damage to structure and

contents and/or adversely affect the operation or function of

building systems.
The categories are divided into the following:
● Category 1: Category 1 water originates from a sanitary water

source and does not pose substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or

inhalation exposure. Examples of Category 1 water sources can

include, but are not limited to: broken water supply lines; tub or

sink overflows with no contaminants; appliance malfunctions involving

water-supply lines; melting ice or snow; falling rainwater; broken

toilet tanks, and toilet bowls that do not contain contaminants or

additives. However, once clean water leaves the exit point, it might

not remain clean once it contacts other surfaces or materials.
The cleanliness of Category 1 water may deteriorate to Category 2 or

3 for many reasons, including but not limited to: contact with

building materials, systems and contents; mixing with soils and other

contaminants. Some factors that influence the potential organic and

inorganic load in a structure include the age and history of the

structure, previous water losses, general housekeeping, the type of

use of the structure (e.g., nursing home, hospital, day care,

warehouse, veterinary clinic), and elapsed time or elevated

temperature. Odors can indicate that Category 1 water has

deteriorated.
● Category 2: Category 2 water contains significant

contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness

if contacted or consumed by humans. Category 2 water can contain

potentially unsafe levels of microorganisms or nutrients for

microorganisms, as well as other organic or inorganic matter

(chemical or biological). Examples of category 2 water sources can

include, but are not limited to: discharge from dishwashers or

washing machines; overflows from washing machines; overflows from

toilet bowls on the room side of the trap with some urine but no

feces; seepage due to hydrostatic pressure; broken aquariums and

punctured water beds. The cleanliness of Category 2 water can

deteriorate for many reasons, including but not limited to: contact

with building materials, systems, and contents; mixing with soils and

other contaminants. Some factors that influence the potential organic

and inorganic load in a structure include the age and history of the

structure, previous water losses, general housekeeping, the type of

use of the structure, and elapsed time or elevated temperature.
● Category 3: Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and can

contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. Examples of

Category 3 water sources can include, but are not limited to: sewage;

toilet backflows that originate from beyond the toilet trap

regardless of visible content or color; all forms of flooding from

seawater; ground surface water and rising water from rivers or

streams, and other contaminated water entering or affecting the

indoor environment, such as wind-driven rain from hurricanes,

tropical storms, or other weather-related events. Such water sources

may carry silt, organic matter, pesticides, heavy metals, regulated

materials, or toxic organic substances.
● Special Situations: If a regulated or hazardous material is

part of a water damage restoration project, then a specialized expert

might be necessary to assist in damage assessment, and
government regulations apply. Regulated
materials posing potential or recognized health risks might include,

but are not limited to: arsenic, mercury, lead, asbestos,

polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, fuels, solvents,

caustic chemicals, radiological residues. For situations involving

visible or suspected mold, refer to IICRC 5520 Standard and Reference

Guide for Professional Mold Remediation.
cation - Positively charged ion.
caustic - The property of a chemical (usually a base) that enables it

to burn, corrode, dissolve or eat away other substances. When the

term caustic is used alone, it usually refers to sodium hydroxide,

which is used in manufacturing hard soap. It also refers to caustic

potash (potassium hydroxide), which is used in manufacturing soft

soap. see "alkali," and "sodium, potassium hydroxide"
caustic soda - see "sodium hydroxide"
cavitation - The formation of partial vacuums in a fluid, caused by

high frequency sound waves.
cavities - Hollow spaces in walls, flooring, ceilings and fixtures,

into which water can flow, wick or migrate and become trapped or

inhibited from drying.

327

 

volume of air that has more leakage to the outside than to the

conditioned space would be considered outside the pressure boundary,

such as vented unconditioned attics, and vented unconditioned

crawlspaces.
prevalent level samples - Air samples taken under normal conditions;

also known as ambient background samples. cp "personal air samples"
primary damage - Damage sustained as a result of direct contact with

contaminants (water, soot, fire, body fluids, etc.). Examples

include: staining, swelling, dissolving, cupping and buckling of

hardwood, delamination of furnishings and fixtures, migration of

dyes, weakening of
adhesives, rusting and corrosion, microbial
contamination, etc. cp "secondary damage"
principles of drying - Underlying, broad-based, general principles

that guide and support professional drying. The four general

principles are:
1. removing excess water (absorbing, draining, pumping,

extracting),
2. promoting evaporation,
3. promoting dehumidification and
4. controlling temperature.
proof of loss - A signed, written statement from an insured to an

insurance company stating the conditions of a loss, in order to

determine the insurance company's exact liability under policy

provisions, and when those obligations have been satisfactorily met.
Property Loss Research Bureau (PLRB) - A trade association of

property and casualty insurers whose mission is to provide cutting-

edge claims-oriented information to its members and the industry.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa - A pathogenic bacteria used to assess

hospital-strength activity of a disinfectant.
psychrometric chart - A chart consisting of lines and curves that

shows the relationship between air volume, temperature and relative

humidity, and from which a variety of other information (specific

humidity, dew

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IICRC Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration

(IICRC S500) Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration

Certification Standard IICRC S500
point, vapor pressure, wet bulb temperature, etc.) relating to drying

may be determined.
psychrometry - The study of the relationship between air, humidity

and temperature, and their effect on various materials and comfort

levels (adj. - psychrometric). pulmonary - Relating to, or associated

with, the lungs. pulmonary edema - Fluid in the lungs.
putrefaction - Decomposition of organic matter, especially the

anaerobic splitting of proteins by bacteria and fungi, with the

resulting formation of foul smelling gases resulting from incomplete

oxidation.
[Q]
qualitative analysis — Of, relating to, or involving quality or kind.

The identification of a material based on the chemical and physical

properties of a sample
quality control — Post-restoration or remediation activities

performed by a restorer or remediator that are designed to check on

the effectiveness of the remediation, as a pre-screening, prior to

post remediation verification by an IEP.
quantitative analysis — Of, relating to, or involving quantity or

amount. Determining the amount or concentration of a substance in a

sample.
quaternary ammonium chloride ("quat") - A cationic surfactant used

primarily to disinfect (usually in 0.4 to 1.6% concentrations) or

sanitize. Quats destroy microorganisms by rupturing their cell walls.

They also are used as antistats and softening agents. see

"disinfectant"
[R]
RCC - see "replacement cost coverage"
reaction - A chemical transformation or change. The interaction of

two or more substances to form a new substance.
relative humidity (RH) - The relationship between air volume and the

amount of moisture it holds at a specific temperature expressed as a

percentage of that air's total moisture holding capacity; i.e., the

amount of moisture in a given volume of air, expressed as a

percentage of the total moisture holding capacity of that volume of

air, at a given temperature. As temperature increases, humidity

"relative" to total air volume decreases; conversely, as temperature

decreases, RH increases. cp "specific humidity" and "vapor pressure"
release of lien - A document, usually required by the company holding

the mortgage on a restored structure, whereby a contractor or

subcontractor states that the property is freed from any lien rights

to which the contractor may be entitled.
remediation — To correct or counteract; to remedy. replacement cost

coverage (RCC) - An insurance policy rider that provides for the

payment of the actual replacement cost, as opposed to depreciated

value, of items (usually contents) that are destroyed during a

covered peril.
reserve - That portion of the assets (funds) of an insurance company

that have been set aside to pay current claims that have been

reported but not finalized. Funds transferred from an investment

account to a current loss payment account.
residue - Any unremoved material that is left on a surface or in a

fabric following cleaning.
reservoir - The "container" in which microorganisms grow and develop.

Most biopollutants, for example, are found in reservoirs such as

standing water or decaying matter.
respiratory protection - Devices that should protect the wearer's

respiratory system from overexposure by inhalation of airborne

contaminants. Respiratory protection is used when workers must work

in areas where they may be exposed to concentrations of materials in

excess of allowable exposure limits
respiratory system - The breathing system. This includes the lungs

and all passages to the air outside the body (trachea or "windpipe,"

larynx, mouth and nose), plus the associated nervous system and

circulatory supply components.
restoration worker — An trained individual who works for a

restoration company.
restorative drying - The removal of water and excess moisture and

humidity from a structure and damaged materials following an unwanted

release or infiltration of water from several possible sources, and

returning that structure and its components and contents to a pre-

damage state of moisture content and humidity. There are four

principles involved in restorative drying: mechanical extraction of

excess water; promotion of evaporation through air movement;

temperature control, and dehumidification. see "principles of drying"
restore - To return to a normal, former or pre-damage state.
restorer — The restoration contractor or firm that is responsible for

the restoration of damaged structures and/or contents.
Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) - A biocide/pesticide that requires

technician training and licensing, usually by the state, before

applied is permitted.
RH - see "relative humidity"
risk - The probability of injury, disease or death under specific

circumstances. In quantitative terms, risk is expressed in values

ranging from zero, representing the certainty that harm will not

occur, to one representing the certainty that harm will occur.
risk assessment:
1. The use of factual information to define the nature and impact of

an adverse effect from
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(IICRC 5500) Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration

Certification Standard IICRC S500
exposure of individuals or populations to hazardous materials and

situations.
2. The quantitative or qualitative evaluation to
determine the probability of an adverse effect to human health or the

environment by the presence or potential presence or use of specific

pollutants.
risk communication - The exchange of information about health or

environmental risks between risk assessors, risk managers, the

general public, and other interest groups such as the news media.
risk management - The process of evaluating alternative responses to

risks and selecting among them. Risk management includes

consideration of technical, scientific, social, economic, and

political information. rodenticide - An agent that controls or kills

rodents when used according to label directions.
routes of exposure (entry) - The means by which toxic material may

gain access to an organism, such as inhalation, ingestion and skin

absorption, and intravenous, subcutaneous, intermuscular

administrations.
rotor — A rotating part or component. Some desiccant dehumidifiers

have a rotor or wheel with honeycomb openings, which are coated with

silica gel to enhance adsorption.
R-value — A measurement of resistance to heat transfer.
[S]
Salmonella - A highly infectious gram-negative bacterium, often found

in sewage. Gram-negative bacteria produce endotoxins that are

released at cell death and destruction, and which can cause allergic

response or illness.
sanitary water - Relatively potable (drinkable, healthy) water that

may come from a variety of sources, especially from broken fresh

water pipes. Water that will not cause disease or harm when consumed

by humans.
sanitation - The control of physical factors in the human environment

that could harm development, health or survival. The process of

bringing an environment to a state that will not harm human health.
sanitize - The act or process of reducing microorganisms to safe

levels as judged by public health agencies: a chemical agent that

limits or controls microorganisms within an environment when used

according to label directions.
sanitizer - Any chemical, or physical process or condition applied to

a surface or environment that creates a condition of acceptable

health risk (1/10,000 chance of adverse health effect). EPA considers

an antimicrobial to be a sanitizer when it reduces, but does not

necessarily eliminate, the microorganisms on a treated surface. To be

a registered sanitizer, test results for a product must show a

reduction of at least 99.999% in the number of each test

microorganism over the parallel control within 30 seconds under

standard test conditions. Descriptions of products of this type

generally include the suffix "-stat," meaning "to prevent, limit or

control"; e.g., bacteriostat, fungistat. cp "sterilize, disinfect"
saprophytic (fungi or bacteria) - Those that live on decaying or

decomposing organic matter. They secrete digesting enzymes to break

down organic molecules, and absorb the products of digestion for

continued growth. saprophyte - Fungi or plants that live on dead or

decaying organic matter. cp "parasitic"
SAR — see "Supplied Air Respirator"
saturation point - The point at which air or materials can absorb no

more moisture. At the saturation point, all drying stops because the

air or material can absorb no more moisture from surrounding

surfaces. The point at which air temperature and dew point are the

same. cp "dew point; equilibrium"
SBS - see "sick building syndrome"
SCBA - see "self-contained breathing apparatus" scope of work — The

work plan or protocol for a restoration or remediation project. It

identifies who will be responsible for the various components of the

plan and how it will be implemented.
secondary damage - Damage to materials and/or contents sustained from

indirect or prolonged exposure to disaster contaminants; e.g.,

migrating or absorbed moisture or humidity, mildew growth, acid

residue discoloration, etc. cp "primary damage"
self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) - An atmosphere-supplying

respirator for which the breathing air source is designed to be

carried by the user; a respiratory protection device that consists of

a supply (tank) or a means (air hose) of supplying respirable air or

oxygen; or an oxygen generating material. Any of these must be

carried by the wearer.
sensible heat — The thermal energy that is absorbed by a substance

during a change in temperature that occurs without a change in state;

see "enthalpy."
sensitization - An allergic condition that usually effects the skin

or lungs. Once exposure to a substance has caused a reaction, the

individual may be sensitized to that substance and further exposure

even at low levels may elicit an adverse reaction.
sensitizer - A substance which, on first exposure, causes little or

no reaction in man or test animals, but which, with repeated

exposure, may cause a marked response not necessarily limited to the

contact site. Skin sensitization is the most common form of

sensitization in the industrial setting, although respiratory

sensitization to a few chemicals is also known to occur. Examples of

sensitizers include: poison ivy, pollen, microorganism antigens, some

isocyanates and epoxy resin hardeners, etc. sepsis - A toxic

condition resulting from the spread of bacteria or their toxins from

the point of infection to surfaces from which others may contract

them.
346
Glossary of Terms:
IICRC Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration

(IICRC 5500) Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration

Certification Standard IICRC S500
septicemia - An invasion of the bloodstream by virulent

microorganisms from a local point of infection. Blood poisoning.
sewage - The waste and waste water produced by residential and

commercial establishments and discharged into sewers. There are three

types of sewage: domestic, industrial, and sewage from a non-point

source, such as ground and surface water. Domestic sewage is

relatively constant, with billions of microorganisms that provide the

degradation process, along with ones that can cause an infectious,

allergic, or toxic response or disease.
sewer - A channel or conduit that carries waste water and storm water

runoff from the source to a treatment plant or receiving stream.
short term exposure limit (STEL) - ACGIH toxicity terminology that

refers to exposures to a TLV for 5-15 minutes. see "TLV-STEL"
sick building syndrome (SBS) - A term that refers to a series of

health and comfort effects that are experienced by a substantial

percentage of building occupants. The onset and relief of these

symptoms are associated with entering and leaving the building, and

there is no specifically defined illness or etiology identified (as

in building related illness). SBS symptoms include headaches, runny

nose and allergy or asthma-like complaints, and/or odor and taste

complaints. Generally, sensory irritation dominates the syndrome. cp

"building related illness"
sink - A technical term for places where things (soils, pollutants)

tend to flow and reside temporarily. Sinks are surfaces in buildings,

especially irregular or porous ones that collect foreign matter.
sodium hypochlorite - Chlorine bleach (NaC1O)
soluble - Capable of being dissolved or emulsified in a liquid.
solution - A liquid mixture in which one component is dissolved in

another but will separate again upon drying. solvent:
1. A substance capable of dissolving or dispersing one or more

other substances.
2. The liquid component of a solution in which a substance is

dissolved. The most common solvent is water.
specific humidity - The weight of suspended moisture in air expressed

in grains per pound (gpp) of dry air (14 cubic feet of dry air equals

one pound). 7000 grains of water vapor equals one pound (1.043 pints)

of water. As specific humidity changes, there is a corresponding

change in vapor pressure. cp "relative humidity; grains per pound;

vapor pressure"
spirilla - Bacteria that look like spiral rods.
splash goggles - Eye protection made of a non-corrosive material that

fits snugly against the face, and has indirect ventilation ports.
spore - A dormant, usually unicellular, reproductive propagule from

which fungi or bacteria germinate when appropriate growth conditions

are present. Spores are bodies that permit survival of a

microorganism during unfavorable growth conditions (food source,

temperature, moisture). Inhalation of spores can cause allergic

reactions or other health problems in sensitive persons. sporicide -

An agent that has the ability to control or destroy the microbial

spores that germinate into bacteria or fungi, when used according to

label directions. see "sterilization; disinfectant"
stack effect - Used air, as in a chimney or air duct, that moves

upward because it is warmer than the surrounding atmosphere. In

larger buildings the stack effect can overpower the mechanical system

and disrupt normal ventilation and circulation.
Stachybohys chartarum - A black or greenish-black slimy mold

associated with prolonged water damage, especially in sewage-damage

situations, involving cellulosic materials, such as wallpaper,

wallboard, and ceiling tiles. Stachybotrys mold produces mycotoxins

that are considered extremely hazardous.
standard of care - practices that are common to reasonably prudent

members of the trade who are recognized in the industry as qualified

and competent. Staphylococcus aureus (staph) - A highly resistant,

gram-positive pathogenic (disease-causing) organism that is used in

the evaluation of disinfectants.
STEL - see "Short Term Exposure Limit"
sterilize - Use of a physical or chemical procedure to destroy all

microbial life including highly resistant bacterial endospores. cp

"disinfect, sanitize" Streptococcus (strep) - A genus of highly

resistant, nonmotile, gram-positive, nonspore-forming pathogenic

(disease-causing) cocci that is used in the evaluation of

disinfectants.
subfloor - The surface laid across floor joists and beneath the fmish

flooring or "decking" material.
sublimation — In water damage restoration: a phase-transition

phenomenon in which a solid is transformed into a gas while bypassing

the intermediate liquid phase; the term applies to the reverse

process as well. submersible pump - A transportable pump, usually

small and light weight, that is placed directly into or under water,

usually required in flooded basements, crawl spaces or below grade

construction. It picks up water, generally within 1/4-1/2" of the

floor, pressurizes it and pumps it through a hose to the exterior of

a structure or to an appropriate disposal container.
substrate - A layer of material or substance below the surface. The

substrate may refer to the backing system to which pile yarns are

attached or inserted. Generally, the term substrate refers to

subflooring material directly beneath an installed floor covering.
subsurface drying - A reference to techniques used to inject dry air

or simply copious air movement beneath flooring materials, such as

carpet or hardwood, in order to return them to a pre-damage state of

dryness.

 

 


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