|
Mold Glossary
Home Page
Allergen
A substance such as mold that can cause
an allergic reaction.
Aspergillus
This
type of mold is often found indoors after a water intrusion incident that
has not been responded to appropriately. At least one type of Aspergillus
species produces aflaxatoxin which is both a toxin and carcinogen. The most
common form may cause coughing, fever, chest pains, and breathlessness.
Assessment
Mold assessment is the process of
identifying the location, and extent of mold located within a building.
Biocide
A chemical that kills mold.
Borescope
This is a hand held device that
permits the user to see inside walls, ceilings, and other interior building
areas to determine if visible mold is present. It consists of a camera
located on the end of a flexible tube or snake.
CFUs
Colony Forming Units.
Cladosporium
This species of mold often grows indoors when moisture has been present.
This mold may cause sinusitis, pulmonary infections, and infections of the
skin and toenails. Prolonged exposure may weaken the immune system of
animals and humans.
Condensation
The
process of water vapor in the air converting into liquid water. Typically,
this occurs on the interior side of window glass in high humidity
conditions. It is the opposite of evaporation.
Dehumidifier
A device designed to reduce the level of
moisture in the indoor air generally after a water intrusion incident.
Moisture in the air is converted to water and the water is then removed.
Fungi
Fungi is a classification of organisms
separate from plants, animals and bacteria. Included are yeasts and molds.
Many fungi are parasites on plants, animals and humans. Some produce
biologically active compounds that are toxic to animals and humans. These
are known as mycotoxins.
Fungicide
A
chemical that kills mold.
Fungus
An
organism of the kingdom of fungi, feeding on organic matter.
HEPA
A high efficiency particulate air filter used
as part of the remediation process.
High Ozone Shock
Treatment
High ozone shock treatment or ozone blasting is a
highly controversial method of remediating mold within a building. There are
both advantages and disadvantages to the method.
Humidity
Gauge
This is a device that measures the level of humidity
in the indoor air.
HVAC
Heating,
ventilation, and air - conditioning system.
Hypersensitivity
Greater than normal sensitivity to mold or
chemicals.
Keratitis
An infection of the
cornea (eye) cause by certain molds.
Moisture Meter
This is a hand held device that measures the level of moisture in
building materials such as drywall, wood, brick, stone, concrete and
carpeting.
Mold
Molds are fungi which is
a classification of organisms separate from plants and animals. There are
thousands of known species. Some highly dangerous, some are not. Some molds,
known as toxic molds, produce mycotoxins which are substances toxic to
animal and human life. Molds reproduce by means of spores which may remain
airborne for days or weeks. When spores land on a surface suitable to
sustain life, they begin to grow.
Mould
This is a secondary spelling for mold.
Mycotoxin
A mycotoxin is a toxic substance produced by some molds. Where
conditions are suitable, fungi proliferate into colonies where mycotoxin
levels can become dangerously high.
Negative Pressure
A condition that exists when less air is supplied to a space than is
exhausted from the space, so the air pressure within that space is less than
that in surrounding areas. Under this condition, if an opening exists, air
will flow from surrounding areas into the negatively pressurized space.
Organic Material
This is the matter that has come from once living organisms. Organic
matter serves as nourishment for molds and is capable of decay. Examples of
Organic Matter are:
| • |
wood; |
| • |
cardboard |
| • |
the paper covering drywall; |
| • |
the paper covering most ceiling and wall building insulation;
and |
| • |
furniture and clothing made of fabrics containing cotton, wool
and / or leather. |
Personal Protective Equipment
Equipment used during
the remediation process and sometimes during the assessment process. The
equipment includes gloves, impervious clothing, respirators, and eye
protection.
Remediation
Mold remediation
is the process of removing mold from a building after stopping the source of
moisture.
Sick Building Syndrome
Sick
Building Syndrome (SBS) is a combination of ailments associated with either
a person's place of employment or home. There are many possible causes
including mold. Common symptoms include irritation of the eyes, nose and
throat, skin irritation, and other health related problems.
Spore
A spore is a reproductive structure that is
adapted for dispersal and survival for long periods of time in unfavorable
conditions. Once conditions become favorable, a spore can develop into a new
organism. Mold reproduces by means of spores which are easily carried by air
currents.
Stachybotrys Mold
There are
more than twenty species of Stachybotrys Mold. The species known as S.
Chartarum is the most dangerous to animals and humans because the mycotoxins
produced can result in one or more of the following depending upon the
length of exposure and volume of spores ingested or inhaled: chronic
coughing; chronic fatigue; fever; headaches; irritation to the eyes; nose
and throat; rashes; sneezing; nausea; vomiting and even bleeding in the
lungs and nose.
Thermographic Camera
This is an infrared thermal camera used to locate areas of excessive
moisture inside walls and ceilings. They generally cover larger areas than
moisture meters.
Toxic
Causing damage or
death to plants, animals, and / or humans. A substance that is poisonous.
Toxicity
Refers to the degree to which a
chemical, including those produced by molds, can harm humans and animals.
Toxicology
Toxicology is the branch of
medicine involved in the study of the adverse effects of chemicals,
including those produced by mold, on humans and animals.
|
