Yellow Canary

Connecticut Environmental Glossary

AEA
Atomic Energy Act
ACAQ
Advisory Committee on Air Quality
ACCBD
Advisory Committee on Conservation of Biological Diversity
ACER
Advisory Committee on Environmental Resources
ACM
Asbestos Containing Material
ACVEN
Advisory Committee on Vehicle Emissions and Noise
Acrylic
Thermoplastic with good weather resistance, shatter resistance, and optical clarity, used for glazing.
AEE
Association for Environmental Education (Private)
AEERL
Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory
Aerobic Organism
Any organism that requires oxygen.
Aerobic Biological Oxidation
Reducing the pollution or oxygen demand of organic substances in water via a waste treatment process utilizing organisms in the presence of air or oxygen.
Aerobic Treatment
Aerobic processes include rotating biological contactors, extended aeration and trickling filtration. They are processes in which microbes decompose complex organic compounds using the liberated energy of in the presence of oxygen for reproduction and growth.
AERP
Aquatic Effects Research Program (US)
AFZ
Acronym Free Zone
Agent
Substance, force, radiation, organism, or influence that affects the body whether the effects are beneficial or injurious.
Agricultural Pollution
Substances and wastes, both liquid and solid, that leach or runoff farms. Includes animal manure and carcasses, crop residues, fertilizers, feed and erosion and dust from plowing, pesticides.
AHERA
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act
AIEO
American Indian Environmental Office
AIGER
American Industry/Government Emissions Research
Airborne Particulates
Suspended particulate matter found in the atmosphere as solid particles or as liquid droplets, i. e., windblown dust, emissions from industrial processes, smoke from the burning of wood and coal, and the exhaust of motor vehicles.
Air-leakage Rating
A measure of the rate of air-leakage around a window, door, or skylight in the presence of a specific pressure difference. The lower a window's air-leakage rating, the better its airtightness. Expressed in units of cubic feet per minute per square foot of frame area (cfm/sq ft). Formerly expressed as cubic feet per minute per foot of window perimeter length (cfm/ft) but not now in use.
AIR RISC
Air Risk Information Support Center
ALAPCO
Association Of Local Air Pollution Control Officials
Allergens
Allergens are substances that cause allergic reactions. They include pollens, dust particles, mold spores, food, latex rubber, insects, insect feces, animals or medicines.
Allergy
A specific reaction of the immune system to a seemingly harmless substance that does not bother most people. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one substance. Many people are allergies that are undetected due to the mildness of their symptoms or lack of or lack of sophication of testing.
AMD
Acid Mine Drainage
APCD
Air Pollution Control District
API
American Petroleum Institute
APS
Atmospheric Pressure Sensor
APTIC
Air Pollution Technical Information Center
APTI
Air Pollution Training Institute
AQSSD
Air Quality Strategies And Standards Division
Aquifer
Wells are considered aquifers - they are porous geological structures below the surface carrying or holding water.
AREAL
Atomospheric Research and Exposure Assessment Laboratory
Asbestos
Mineral fiber that when inhaled can cause cancer or asbestosis. Banned or severely restricted its use in manufacturing and construction by the EPA. Cleanup of asbestos require safety gear and professinal training to assure that cleanup and disposal standards are met.
Asbestosis
Progressive disease involving scarring of lung tissue associated with chronic exposure to and inhalation of asbestos fibers, caused by that causes breathing to become progressively more difficult and can lead to death.
ASHAA
Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act
ASHARA
Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act
ASHRAE
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers
Aspergillosis
Group of diseases caused by Aspergillus. Aspergillosis can occur in a variety of organs, both in humans and animals. Symptoms include fever, cough, chest pain or breathlessness, which also occur in many other illnesses so diagnosis can be hard. Major forms of disease are: Non-invasive (e.g. Allergic Pulmonary Aspergillosis - ABPA. Produces an allergy to the spores of the Aspergillus molds, affects asthma, cystic fibrosis and sinusitis patients), Semi-invasive (e.g Chronic Necrotising Aspergillosis - CNPA. Grows within a cavity of the lung, which was previously damaged during an illness or lung disease which causes cavities open to developing an aspergilloma.) and Invasive (e.g. Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis - IPA. Risk increases if patient has weakened immunity such as bone marrow transplant, low white cells after cancer treatment, AIDS or major burns). Disseminated aspergillosis is a rare, acute and usually fatal infection that produces Septicemia, Thrombosis, and can affect virtually any organ, but especially the heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys.
Aspergillus
Organism occurring commonly throughout the world found within indoor environments - especially in the autumn and winter in the Northern hemisphere. Certain species are harmful and cause Aspergillosis.
ATIS
Air Toxics Implementation Strategy
AVHRR
Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (instrument)
AWMA / A&WMA
Air And Waste Management Association
AWBERC
Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research
Backfill
Material used to refill an excavation, or the process of doing so.
Backwashing
Reversing the flow of water in order to clear or clean a filter
Baffle
Deflect substances - changing the flow of air, water or other matter. Baffles are used to deaden sound.
Ballasts
Ballasts are an essential part of fluorescent lamps, transforming standard voltages into the voltage needed for the lamp. Magnetic ballasts are now being phased out in favor of more energy-efficient electronic ballasts.
BAPS
Baseline Air Pollution Station
Biodegradable
Sustance or material that will degrade easily.
Biodegradability
The rate at which a substance or material can be broken down by bacteria or other environmental factors.
BIOMASS
Biological Investigations of Marine Antarctic Systems and Stocks
Biotecture
The art of combining architecture and biology with the goal of liveable sustainability in the design and structure of buildings and environments.
Blackwater
Wastewater from toilets, latrines, privies, water containing feces or body fluids and water from sinks used for food preparation or disposal of chemical or biological ingredients. See greywater.
Bloom
(1)Plants: first appearance of budding. (2) Algae: a mass of algae in a body of water often indicating presenceof pollutants
Bog
Generally poorly draining land that appears wet and spongy, highly acid and rich in plant residue. The result is lake eutrophication (nutrient pollution).
Brownfield
Real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.
BTU
British Thermal Unit: A measurement of heat. The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water from 63° F to 64 F.
Building-Related-Illness
Term used to describe more precisely what is popularly known as "sick building syndrome" or the indoor transmission of infectious agents. Use as a more accurate term suggests that buildings cannot truly be described as being "healthy" or "sick", that buildings do not transmit sickness.
Byssinosis
AKA: Brown Lung Disease. Chronic condition involving obstruction of the small airways, severely impairing lung function caused by dusts from hemp, flax, and cotton processing. Thousands of textile workers have been disabled by byssinosis.
CAA
Clean Air Act
CAAA
Clean Air Act Amendments
CAAAC
Clean Air Act Advisory Committee
Carbon Monoxide
Colorless, odorless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete fossil fuel (coal, oil, kerosene, natural or bottled gas) combustion. Termed a "chemical asphyxiant", it reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
CASAC
Clean Air Science Advisory Committee
CASTNET
EPA Clean Air Status and Trends Network
CBEP
Community Based Environmental Protection
CBS Construction
"Concrete Block and Stucco" or "Concrete Block Structure. Preferred construction method in southern climates such as southern Florida, the islands of the Carribean and Central America. CBS construction is environmentally friendly, and provides a safer home during catastrophic weather such as tornados and huricanes. CBS homes are durable, quiet and energy-efficient.
CDC
Centers For Disease Control, US Dept. Of Health And Human Services
CEIS
Center For Environmental Information And Statistics
Celsius
Metric temperature scale. Written as "C". Zero degrees C = 32 degrees F (fahrenheit) which equals the freezing point of water. The boiling point of water equals 212 F or 100 C. Conversion: (From C to F: X degrees C multiplied by 1.8 equals F). (From F to C: X degrees F multiplied by 5/9).
CEM
Continuous emissions monitoring
CEPPO
Chemical Emergency Preparedness And Prevention Office
CERI
Center for Environmental Research Information
CERL
Corvallis Environmental Research Laboratory
CERN
European Organization for Nuclear Research (International)
CERN
European Laboratory for Particle Physics (International)
CES
Committee on Earth Science (International)
CFC
Chlorofluorocarbon
Synthetic chemicals that are odourless, non-toxic, non-flammable, and chemically inert. Partly responsible for the destruction of the ozone layer. In 1987, one of the first global environmental treaties, the Montreal Protocol, was established that banned the use of chemicals responsible for ozone damage, such as CFCs in aerosols and refrigerants.
CFEIS
Certification and Fuel Economy Information System
CGA
CT General Assembly
CHEM
Chemical Collection Database (accessible through OLS)
CHIEF
Clearinghouse For Inventories And Emission Factors
CIFOR
Center for International Forestry Research International)
CIS
Chemical Information Systems, Inc.
CIESIN
Consortium for International Earth Science Information Network (International)
CLC
Clean Lakes Clearinghouse
CLIM
Climate Change Database (accessible through OLS)
CLU-IN
Clean-up Information Bulletin Board System (formerly OSWER-BBS)
CMAQ
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program
CNG
Compressed natural gas
Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)
CFLs use less energy than incandescent bulbs and need replacing far less often, making them a cost-effective choice. CFLs have also been used effectively to replace halogen lights in torchieres. Although early CFLs had a stark light, the color rendering of newer CFLs is equal to or superior to incandescent light bulbs, producing full-spectrum lighting.
CO
Carbon Monoxide
Cladosprium
Most frequently found genus of fungi in outdoor air in temperate climates. Indoors itis often found in dirty refrigerators, especially in reservoirs where condensation is collected, and on moist window frames as a result of condensation. Cladosporium often discolors interior paint, paper, or textiles stored under humid conditions. Houses with poor ventilation or located in damp environments may have heavy concentrations of Cladosprium. A few species of cladosprium are capable of causing disease, mostly in patients with underlying debilitating illness.
Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis
AKA: Blank Lung Disease. Caused by the inhalation of coal dust that becomes imbedded in the lungs, causing them to harden, making breathing very difficult. The most severe form of the disease involves scarring on the lungs. Alothough more common in the past during the height of coal mining, close to 400 people continue to die each year from black lung disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mortality Database CDC Wonder.).
COE
Commission on Ecology (of IUCN) (International)
COFI
Commission on Fisheries (FAO) (International)
Coliform Index
Purity of water (well-water) based on the amount of fecal bacteria.
Compost
Organic fertilizer created from decomposted garbage and pollutant-free biodegradable trash.
Concrete Block Structure
"Concrete Block and Stucco" or "Concrete Block Structure. Preferred construction method in southern climates such as southern Florida, the islands of the Carribean and Central America. CBS construction is environmentally friendly, and provides a safer home during catastrophic weather such as tornados and huricanes. CBS homes are durable, quiet and energy-efficient. [MORE ABOUT CBS HERE]
Conduction
Heat transfer through a solid material by contact of one molecule to the next. Heat flows from a higher-temperature area to a lower-temperature one.
Conductivity
The ability of a substance to conduct heat or electricity.
CORINE
Coordinated Information on the European Environment (International)
Convection
The transfer of heat energy between a solid and a fluid when their temperature differ.
Corrosion
Most alloys corrode just from the moisture in the air. Dissolving of metal is caused by a chemical reaction between water and the pipes that the water contacts, chemicals touching a metal surface, or contact between two metals. The weakening of steel due to oxidation of the iron contained in the steel is called electrochemical corrosion.
CRER
Conservation and Renewable Energy Reserve
CSI
Common Sense Initiative
CSD
Commission on Sustainable Development (of IUCN) (International)
CSIERT
CT School Indoor Environment Team: A list of contacts and resources for Connecticut Tools for Schools Committees.
CTBT
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (International)
CTE
Center For Transportation And The Environment
CTG
Control Techniques Guideline
Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM)
The measure of the volume of a substance flowing through air within a fixed period of time. Used in specifications for indoor air quality to refer to the amount of air, in cubic feet, that is exchanged in a minute's time. (rate of flow)
DEC
Department of Environmental Conservation
Degree day
Unit that represents a one-degree Fahrenheit deviation from some fixed reference point (usually 65° F) in the mean, daily outdoor temperature, also referred to as "heating degree day".
Denitrification
Conversion of nitrate into nitrogen gases under anaerobic conditions, resulting in loss of nitrogen from ecosystems. The return of nitrogen from decomposed matter to the atmosphere by bacteria that change nitrates to nitrogen gas.
DEP
Deparment of Environmental Protection
DEQ
Department of Environmental Quality
Diffusion
The movement of individual molecules through a material. The movement occurs because of concentration gradients and thermal gradients, independent of airflow.
DNR
Department of Natural Resources
DNRC
Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
DOC
Department of Conservation or Department of Commerce
DOE
Department Of Energy or Department of the Environment
DOEM
Designated Officials for Environmental Matters
DOI
Department of the Interior
DOT
Department Of Transportation
Double Glazing
Two thicknesses of glass separated by an air space within an opening to improve insulation against heat transfer and/or sound transmission. In factory-made double glazing units, the air between the glass sheets is thoroughly dried and the space is sealed airtight, eliminating possible condensation and providing superior insulating properties.
DPH
CT Department of Public Health: DPH provides a "comprehensive network of public health services, and is a partner to local health departments for which it provides advocacy, training and certification, technical assistance and consultation, and specialty services such as risk assessment that are not available at the local level."
Drainage Planes
Water repellent materials (building paper, housewrap, foam insulation, etc.) usually located behind the cladding. Designed and constructed to drain water that passes through the cladding. Interconnected with flashings, window and door openings, and other penetrations of the building enclosure to provide drainage of water to the exterior of the building. The materials that form the drainage plane overlap each other shingle fashion or are sealed so that water drains down and out of the assembly. The drainage plane is also referred to as the "water resistant barrier" or WRB.
Ducts, Ducting
A system of shafts or tubes designed to allow for the circulation of air (hot air heating systems) or designed to carry and protect cables or pipes. In most residencces, ducting is enclosed and inaccessible in living areas, but may be accessible in basement or attic spaces
Earthship
A passive solar home made of natural and recycled materials which takes advantage of a thermal mass construction for temperature stabilization that utilizes renewable energy sources & integrated water systems - and attempts to have the capability to exist outside the commercial or government energy & water sources.
ECAO
Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office
ECB
Environment Coordination Board (UN) (International)
ECO
Environmental Careers Organization
ECOS
Environmental Council Of The States
ECS
Education Cost Sharing
EDSS
Environmental Decision Support System
EE
Environmental Education
EG
Emission Guideline
EGE
Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
EHS
Environmental Health Standards
EIA
Environmental Impact Assessment
EIIP
Emission Inventory Improvement Program
EIS
Environmental Impact Statement
EJ
Environmental Justice
ELC
Environmental Law Center (of IUCN) (International)
Electromagnetic spectrum
Radiant energy over a broad range of wavelengths.
EM
Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management
EMAD
Emissions, Monitoring, And Analysis Division
EMC
Emission Measurement Center
EMAP
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program
EMMC
Environmental Monitoring Management Council
EMP
Environmental Management Plan
EMSL
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory
EMTIC
Emission Measurement Technical Information Center
EMU
Economic and Monetary Union (EC) (International)
Endemic Fungus
Fungi able to produce an infection of tissue in healthy individuals. These fungi are sp strong that they do not need help breaching the host's immune defenses. Include: Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Blastomyces, and Sporothrix.
EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency leads the nation's environmental science, research, education and assessment efforts: develops and enforces regulations; offers financial assistance to States, non-profits and educational institutions to support high-quality research that will improve the scientific basis for decisions on national environmental issues; performs environmental research; sets voluntary pollution-management goals such as conserving water and energy, minimizing greenhouse gases, slashing toxic emissions, re-using solid waste, controlling indoor air pollution, and getting a handle on pesticide risks; advances educational efforts to develop an environmentally conscious and responsible public, and to inspire personal responsibility in caring for the environment; and publishes written materials to assist these efforts.
EPCRA
Emergency Planning And Community Right-to-know Act
Equivalent Leakage Area (EqLA or ELA)
Quantitative expression of the airtightness of a building enclosure. EqLA is the method set by the Canadian General Standards Board in which a blower door depressurizes the building enclosure to 10 Pascals and the leakiness of the enclosure is expressed as a summary hole in square inches. ELA is set by the ASTM equivalent procedure at a pressure differential of 4 Pascals.
EQO
Environmental Quality Objective
Equivalent Leakage Area (EqLA or ELA)
Quantitative expression of the airtightness of a building enclosure. EqLA is the method set by the Canadian General Standards Board in which a blower door depressurizes the building enclosure to 10 Pascals and the leakiness of the enclosure is expressed as a summary hole in square inches. ELA is set by the ASTM equivalent procedure at a pressure differential of 4 Pascals.
ERAMS
Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring System
ERC
Environmental Research Consortium
ERD
Environmental Radiation Data
EROS
Earth Resources Observation System (of USGS)
ESD
Emission Standards Division
ESDB
Endangered Species Database/ReachScanlink
ESDD
Earth Systems Science Committee (International)
ESF
European Science Foundation (International)
ES&H
Environment, Safety and Health
ESSC
Earth Systems Science Committee (International)
Eutrophication
Natural eutrophication is the process by which lakes gradually age and become more nutrient rich. It normally takes thousands of years to progress. However, humans, through their various cultural activities, have greatly accelerated this process in thousands of lakes around the globe creating nutrient pollution from runoff from agricultural fields, field lots, urban lawns, golf courses, and untreated, or partially-treated, domestic sewage. Sewage was a particular source of phosphorus to lakes when detergents contained large amounts of phosphates. The phosphates acted as water softeners to improve the cleaning action, but they also proved to be powerful stimulants to algal growth when they were washed or flushed into lakes. These "algae blooms" lead to changes the water quality in a lake - bringing oxygen depletion and resultant fish kills. (See BOG)
ETS
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Evapotranspiration
The combination of water that is evaporated and transpired by plants as a part of their metabolic processes. Reference evapotranspiration is the amount of water needed for plant growth in a year of average weather.
FDA
Food and Drug Administration
Feng Shui
Feng shui ("fung shway") is an intuitive art art form employed by decorators and architects to create harmony and balance in the living environment.
FEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Fiber Optics
Fiber optics carry light around bends and corners with little loss in brightness. They can distribute light throughout a building from a central lighting source.
FIFRA
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, And Rodenticide Act: Primary focus is to provide federal control of pesticide distribution, sale, and use. EPA was given authority under FIFRA to study the consequences of pesticide usage and to require users (farmers, utility companies, and others) to register when purchasing pesticides. Through later amendments, users also must take exams for certification as applicators of pesticides. All pesticides used in the U.S. must be registered (licensed) by EPA. Registration assures that pesticides will be properly labeled and that if in accordance with specifications, will not cause unreasonable harm to the environment. epa.gov
Fungi
Fungi are plant-like organisms that lack chlorophyll.
GBERL
Gulf Breeze Environmental Research Laboratory
GCDIS
Global Change Data and Information System
GCRP
Global Change Research Program (International)
GCTE
Global Change and Terrestrial Ecosystems (International)
GDF
Geographic Data File (GIS)
Geodesic
Latin - meaning "earth dividing" - a geodesic line is the shortest distance between any two points on a sphere.
Geodesic Dome
R. Buckminster Fuller was the creator for the sphere-like structure called a geodesic dome. The dome is composed of a complex network of triangles that form a framework that is self-bracing and provides structural strength with a minimum of material. Geodesic domes are efficient, can be built low-cost and are durable. Geodesic domes are used for emergency shelters, weather stations and mobile military housing.
GIS
Geographical Information System
GPS
Global Positioning System
GRCDA
Governmental Refuse Collection and Disposal Association
Greenhouse window
Three-dimensional window that projects from the exterior wall and usually has glazing on all sides except the bottom, which serves as a shelf.
Greywater
Wastewater from clothes washing machines, showers, bathtubs, hand washing , lavatories and sinks. See blackwater.
GWTR
Ground Water Treatment Rule
GWUI
Ground Water Under the Influence (of surface water)
GWP
Global Warming Potential
H2O2
Hydrogen peroxide
HADs
Health Assessment Documents
HAP
Hazardous Air Pollutant
HAZW
Hazardous Waste Collection Database (accessible through OLS)
HAZOPS
Hazardous Operations
HC
Hydrocarbon
HCHO
Formaldehyde
HCFC
Hydrochlorofluorocarbon
HEAS
Health Effects Assessment
Heat-absorbing glass
Window glass containing chemicals with gray, bronze, or blue-green tint that absorb light and heat radiation, and reduce glare and brightness. Also called "tinted glass"
HEEDs
Health and Environmental Effects Documents
HEEPs
Health and Environmental Effects Profiles
HEPA
High-efficiency Particulate Air (filters)
HERL
Health Effects Research Laboratory
HESG
Health Effects And Standards Group
HFC
Hydrofluorocarbon
HNO3
Nitric acid
Housewrap
Any of the numerous spun-fiber polyolefin rolled sheet goods, or perforated plastic films designed to function as drainage planes.
HSWA
Hazardous and Solid Waste Act
HVAC
A system that provides heating, ventilating, and/or cooling within or associated with a building.
HWSFC
Hazardous Waste Superfund Collection
HWSFD
Hazardous Waste Superfund Database
HWDMS
Hazardous Waste Data Management System (now known as RCRIS)
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Results from repeated exposure to fungus spores from moldy hay, bird droppings, or other organic dusts that causes the air sacs of the lungs to become inflamed; parts of the lungs may then develop fibrous scar tissue and cease to function normally in breathing. Deaths from hypersensitivity pneumonitis have been generally increasing (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Work-Related Lung Disease Surveillance Report. December 2002.).
IAQ
Indoor Air Quality
IAQINFO
Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse
IBC
International Building Code: most widely adopted building code in the US. The International Code Council develops the IBC and other International Codes. When referenced in local, state or federal legislation, the International Building Code becomes the minimum requirement for construction. A jurisdiction either uses the code as is or amends it to fit specific needs of the community.
ICC
International Code Council is a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention. ICC publishes model codes for adoption by states and other agencies. Codes include the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
ICOLP
Industry Cooperative for Ozone Layer Protection
IECC
International Energy Conservation Code published by the ICC. Successor to the Model Energy Code, which is cited in the 1992 U.S. Energy Policy Act (EPAct) as the baseline for residential Energy Codes in the United States.
IEQ
Indoor Environmental Quality
IAQ Tools for Schools Kit
This kit shows schools how to carry out a practical plan of action to improve indoor air problems at little or no cost using straightforward activities and in-house staff. The Kit provides best practices, industry guidelines, sample policies, and a sample IAQ management plan. The voluntary guidance can save schools time and money so that resources can be directed toward educating children
Indoor Air
Air in a conditioned space.
Insulating glass
Two or more pieces of glass spaced apart and hermetically sealed to form a single glazed unit with one or more air spaces in between. See double glazing.
Insulating Sheathing
Non-structural insulating board products with varying R-values and a wide variation in vapor permeability and drainage characteristics. Materials include expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), polyisocyanurate (most often foil-faced), rigid fiberglass, and mineral wool.
Insulating Value
See U-factor.
IRAA
Indoor Radon Abatement Act
Jalousie
Window made up of horizontally-mounted louvered glass slats that abut each other tightly when closed and rotate outward when cranked open.
Krypton
An inert, nontoxic gas used in insulating windows to reduce heat transfer with symbol Kr and atomic number 36, (or . . . a fictional planet. In comic books, it is the birthplace of the superhero Superman).
LAER
Lowest Achievable Emission Rate
Leach Field
Porous soiled area with lines from the septic tank running through it. Treated liquid waste is forced from the tank and percolates down through the soil.
LEDs
LEDs are low-energy light sources that can save energy in such applications as flat-panel displays, exit signs, and traffic lights.
LERAM
Littoral Ecosystem Risk Assessment Model
Lighting Controls
Controls such as photosensors, occupancy sensors and timers save energy by turning lights off when they are not needed. This approach is particularly effective for security lighting and lighting in infrequently used rooms. Dimmers also save energy by allowing building occupants to adjust the light output to suit their needs.
LMAQR
Lake Michigan air quality region
LMOS
Lake Michigan Ozone Study
Low E windows
Low E & Argon Gas form insulating glass units that reflect heat back into the room and increase energy-saving efficiency by stopping heat loss through the window in the winter and re-radiated solar heat from entering your home in the summer. Special coatings reduce direct summer sun rays and block fabric-fading ultraviolet rays.
LPG
Liquefied petroleum gas
LRTAP
Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution
MCL
Maximum Contaminant Level
MCLGs
Maximum Contaminant Level Goals
MINTEQA2
Metal Speciation for Equilibrium for Surface and Ground Water
MDI
Metered Dose Inhaler
Mesothelioma
Cancer of the chest lining caused by asbestos exposure. By the year 2030 there are estimates that asbestos will have caused 60,000 instances of mesothelioma that result in death. (Nicholson, W. J., G. Perkel, et al. Occupational exposure to asbestos: population at risk and projected mortality--1980-2030. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 1982. Vol. 3(3); 259-311.)
Mold
Simple, microscopic organisms found on plants, dry leaves, and on just about every other organic material. There are a variety of molds in the natural environment. Outside, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. While there are many types of mold, none of them will grow without water or moisture. See Mold Sreening & Inspections
Mold-Neutral
At time of testing, indoor mold spore counts are not significantly higher than outdoor mold spore counts. (The outdoor sample establishes a baseline for comparative evaluation of the indoor air samples.) Because there are no federal standards for mold spore count levels in residences, schools, or other buildings, the mold inspection industry guidelines are derived from NYC (New York City) standards and the ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists).
MPRSA
Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act
MQAG
Monitoring And Quality Assurance Group
MSW
Municipal Solid Waste
MSWLF
Municipal Solid Waste Landfill
MTBE
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether
MVAC
Motor Vehicle Air Conditioner
MWC
Municipal Waste Combustor
MWI
Medical Waste Incineration
NAAQS
National Ambient Air Quality Standard
NADB
National Air Data Branch
NAFTP
National Alternative Fuels Training Program
NAPAP
National Acidic Precipitation Assessment Program
NAPCA
National Air Pollution Control Administration
NAPIS
National Agricultural Pest Information System
NAREL
National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory
NARL
National Air and Radiation Laboratory
NARSTO
North American Research Strategy for Tropospheric Ozone
NATS
NOx Allowance Tracking System
NEPA
National Environmental Policy Act
NESC
National Environmental Supercomputing Center
NESHAP
National Emission Standard For Hazardous Air Pollutants
NGV
Non-gasoline Vehicle
NIEHS
National Institute Of Environmental Health Sciences
NIH
National Institutes Of Health
NIST
National Institute Of Standards And Technology
NOAA
National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration
NOx
Oxides Of Nitrogen
NO2
Nitrogen Dioxide
NPDES
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
NPDWR
National Primary Drinking Water Regulation
NPIRS
National Pesticide Information Retrieval System
NPTN
National Pesticide Telecommunications Network
NRDC
Natural Resources Defense Council
NSCEP
National Service Center for Environmental Publications maintains and distributes EPA publications in hardcopy, CD ROM and other multi-media formats. The current publication inventory includes over 7,000 titles. NSCEP also develops and distributes the annual EPA National Publications Catalog.
NTI
National Toxics Inventory
NVFEL
National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory
NWS
National Weather Service
OAQPS
Office Of Air Quality Planning And Standards
OAQPSTTN
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards Technology Transfer Network
OAR
Office Of Air And Radiation
Occupational Asthma
As the most common from of occupational lung disease, it is estimated that 15% to 23% of new onset adult asthma cases in the US are due to occupational exposures.
Occupational Lung Disease
Number one work-related illness in the United States based on the frequency, severity, and preventability of diseases (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Work-Related Lung Disease Surveillance Report. December 2002.) Usually caused by extended exposure to irritating or toxic substances that may cause acute or chronic respiratory ailments, although severe single exposures can cause chronic lung disease. The most common occupational lung diseases include: Occupational lung cancer, Occupational asthma, Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, Byssinosis (brown lung disease), Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (black lung disease), Silicosis, Hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Occupational Lung Cancer
The most frequent occupational cancer includes cancer of the lung, trachea and bronchus.
ODS
Ozone-Depleting Substance
ODP
Ozone Depletion Potential
OER
Office of Environmental Restoration
OERR
Office of Emergency and Remedial Response
OHEA
Office of Health and Environmental Assessments
OHM/TADS
Oil and Hazardous Substances Technical Assistance Data System
OHS MSDS
Occupational Health Services Material Safety Data Sheets
OMP
Ozone Mapping Project
OPEC
Organization Of Petroleum Exporting Countries
Opportunistic Fungus
This type of fungus produces disease in the tissue only when the host defenses are weakened, such as a breakdown of the immune system or the skin barrier or someone who has been taking high doses of steroids for prolonged periods of time. Aspergillus is an example of an opportunstic pathegen found almost everywhere. These fungi are often found in mold contaminated buildings. Alternaria can produce sinusitis or nail infections.
OPP
Office of Pesticide Programs
OPPT
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
OPPTS
Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances
ORIA / OAR
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
OSHA
Occupational Safety And Health Act or Administration
OSWER
Office Of Solid Waste And Emergency Response
OTAG
Ozone Transport Assessment Group
OTAQ
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
OTC
Ozone Transport Commission
Outdoor Air
Air outside the building. It can enter the conditioned space via the ventilation system, or by infiltration through holes in the pressure boundary or designed ventilation openings.
O3
Ozone
OWPD
Office of Waste Programs Enforcement
P2
Pollution Prevention
P4
Pollution Prevention Permitting Project
Penicillium
Common occurrence of in foods. Some species produce toxins and may render food inedible or even dangerous. Some species are safe to eat and used to ripen cheeses such as Roquefort, Brie, Camembert, Stilton. The drug penicillin is produced by Penicillium chrysogenum, a commonly occurring mould in most homes.
Percolation Test
Soil test to determine if the soil can absorb and drain water adequately for the use of a septic system for sewage disposal.
PFC
Perfluorocarbon
PIN
Pesticide Information Network
PIRG
Public Interest Research Group
PM
Particulate Matter
PNGV
Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles
POM
Polycyclic Organic Matter
POP
Persistent Organic Pollutant
PSI
Pollutant Standard Index
QUAL2E
Enhanced Stream Water Quality Model
Radon
Radon is a gaseous radioactive element (Rn). Itt is an extremely toxic, colorless gas; it can be condensed to a transparent liquid and to an opaque, glowing solid; it is derived from the radioactive decay of radium. Radon may be found in the earth and in rock beneath home, well water and building materials. There are no known immediate symptoms. Based on an updated Assessment of Risk for Radon in Homes, radon in indoor air is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. Smokers are at higher risk of developing Radon-induced lung cancer. Lung cancer is the only health effect which has been definitively linked with radon exposure. Lung cancer would usually occur years (5-25) after exposure. There is no evidence that other respiratory diseases, such as asthma, are caused by radon exposure and there is no evidence that children are at any greater risk of radon induced lung cancer than adults. cite: http://www.epa.gov/radon/
Radon Certified Professionals
Individuals holding a Residential Measurement Provider for Standard and Analytical Services have demonstrated knowledge of U.S. EPA radon measurement protocols for the placement and retrieval of radon measurement devices. They have also demonstrated knowledge of the proper interpretation of results obtained in residential settings. Furthermore, these individuals possess and analyze radon measurement devices. Depending upon the specific device, this may allow for rapid provision of test results. The testing professional may also be able to characterize trends in radon concentration and determine unusual conditions arising from such influences as weather changes or occupant tampering of a test. See Radon Services
RAMP
Regional Air Management Partnership
RCRA
Resource Conservation And Recovery Act
REAG
Risk And Exposure Assessment Group
Reflectors
Reflectors form the backing of fluorescent fixtures and other lamps. Improved reflectors for fluorescent fixtures can light an area better using fewer lamps.
RFG
Reformulated Gasoline is gasoline blended to burn cleaner and reduce smog-forming and toxic pollutants in the air we breathe. The Clean Air Act requires that RFG be used in cities with the worst smog pollution to reduce harmful emissions of ozone. EPA
RIA
Regulatory Impact Analysis
RQCAR
Reportable Quantities for Carcinogens in Hazardous Waste
RQTOX
Reportable Quantities for Chronically Toxic Hazardous Substances
RRTC
Regional Radon Training Center
RTG
Random Team Generator
RUCK Accordion System
Setting the posts for stretching out the RUCK Accordian
Cost effective, treatment-based upgrade from conventional stone and other leach field systems. The Accordion system is based upon proven enhancements. Evapotranspiration, oxygen transfer, biotextile prefiltration and controlled soil loading. The RUCK Accordion leach fields are designed to operate indefinitely (most systems have a half life of 25 years). The soil directly below the sand and accordion module develops only a minor secondary biomat layer. The result is a greater long term infiltration capacity. Photos courtesy RUCK SYSTEMS®
Field or filter layout spacing as per design
SDE
State Department of Education: State of Connecticut web site
SDWA
Safe Drinking Water Act
Sick Building Syndrome
Indoor transmission of infectious agents. Chemical(s) or other material(s) found in the interior environment are causing the symptoms of illness or allergy in the buildings occupants or in those who spent significant time in the building regularly or who are exposed to on a one-time basis to a particularly potent or poisonous element. Also see building-related illness
Silicosis
Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation
Silicosis substantially raises the risk of tuberculosis. It is caused by exposure to free crystalline silica in mines, foundries, blasting operations, stone, clay and glass manufacturing that cause scar tissue to form in the lungs. About 1 million workers are believed to have been exposed to silica dust. Each year 200 people die with silicosis listed as an underlying or nonunderlying cause of death on their death certificates. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. database and the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Preventing Silicosis, 1996)
SITE
Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation
SNAP
Significant New Alternatives Policy
SOCMI
Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry
SODAR
Sound detection and ranging
SOILVENT
Soil Venting Model
SMCL
Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level
SSARA
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
Stachybotrys
Stachybotrys chartarum is a fungus that has become notorious as a mycotoxin producer that can cause animal and human mycotoxicosis. Stachybotrys is a greenish-black mold that grows well on materials with a high cellulose content such as wall studs, dry wall, and ceiling tiles that are exposed to water and excessive humidity. Evidence has accumulated implicating this fungus as a serious problem in homes and buildings and one of the causes of the "sick building syndrome.". [More on Stachybotrys]
STAPPA
State And Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators
SUWLLRWC
Southwestern Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission
Sulfur Lamps
Sulfur lamps are bright, long-lasting, energy-efficient light sources that are effective in commercial and industrial buildings.
SWAG
Simulated Waste Access to Ground Water
SWANA
Solid Waste Association of North America
SWDA
Solid Waste Disposal Act
SWMM
Storm Water Management Model
SWTR
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Task Lighting
Lighting is more efficient when it is applied directly to a task (for instance, a bright light over a desk) rather than illuminating the entire room at the same lighting level.
TCLP
Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure
TENORM
Technologically-Enhanced Naturally-Occurring Radioactive
TfS
EPA's Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Program: Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critically important aspect of creating and maintaining school facilities. The IAQ TfS program teaches schools how to identify, resolve, and prevent IAQ problems through low and no-cost measures. The program explains IAQ management, facility planning and maintenance, financing, communications, and emergency response. An IAQ Tools for Schools Kit also includes easy-to-use checklists for all school personnel, sample management plans, and a unique indoor air problem-solving wheel.
Thermal Boundary
The layer in a building enclosure that controls the transfer of energy (heat) between the interior and the exterior. It is a component of the building enclosure and it may, but does not have to align with the pressure boundary.
TRAQ
Transportation Air Quality Center
TRI
Toxic Release Inventory
TRIM
Total Risk Integrated Methodology
TSCA
Toxic Substances Control Act
TTN
Technology Transfer Network
TVA
Tennessee Valley Authority
UATS
Urban Air Toxics Strategy
UATW
Unified Air Toxics Web Site
U-factor
Quantitative measure of heat flow or conductivity, the reciprocal of R-value. While R-values are used for measures of the resistance to heat flow for individual building materials, U-factor is always used as a summary measure for the conductive energy measure of building enclosures.
UMTRCA
Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act
Under-floor Crawl Space
The area within the confines of the foundation and between the ground and the underside of the floor.
Underlayment
Secondary roofing layer that is waterproof or water-resistant installed on the roof deck and beneath shingles or other roof-finishing layer.
UNEP
United Nations Environment Programme
USDA
US Department Of Agriculture
USDW
Underground Source of Drinking Water
USGS
U.S. Geological Survey
UST
Underground Storage Tank
UST-ID
Underground Storage Tank Integrated Demonstration
UV
ultraviolet radiation
VAC3D
See SOILVENT
Vapor Barrier
A vapor barrier is a Class I vapor retarder. Vapor barriers are materials that are vapor impermeable.
Vapor Permeable
Materials with a permeance of greater than 10 perms such as housewraps and building papers. Vapor Semi-Impermeable: Materials with a permeance of 1.0 perm or less and greater than 0.1 perm are said to be "semi-impermeable". Those materials with a permeance of 10 perms or less and greater than 1.0 perm are said to be "semi-permeable"
Vapor Retarder
Element designed and installed in an assembly to retard the movement of water by vapor diffusion. There are several classes of vapor retarders: Class I vapor retarder 0.1 perm or less, Class II vapor retarder 1.0 perm or less and greater than 0.1 perm, Class III vapor retarder 10 perms or less and greater than 1.0 perm
VAPUCCI
Vatavuk Air Pollution Control Cost Index
VATD
Virtual Air Toxics Division
VEPG
Visibility And Ecosystem Protection Group
VOC
Volatile Organic Compound
Voltage
A measure of electrical potential. To arrive at the voltage, divide watts by amps. Most residences are wired with 110 and 220-volt lines. 110-volt power is used for lighting and most of the other circuits. 220-volt circuits are for appliances such as a stove or clothes dryer.
WASP4
Water Analysis Simulation Program
Water Heating Devices
There are a wide variety of residential electric water heaters that range in capacity from fifteen to one hundred gallons. They can be expected to last at least as long as their warranty, or from five to eight years, but they will generally last longer. However, few of them last longer than fifteen or twenty years and many eventually leak. So it is wise to have them installed over a drain pan, and preferably plumbed to the exterior. Also, they can be dangerous if they are not seismically secured and equipped with a pressure/temperature relief valve and discharge pipe plumbed to the exterior.
Water Resistant Barrier (WRB)
Building paper, housewrap, foam insulation, etc. designed to be water repellent and usually located behind the cladding. Designed and constructed to drain water that passes through the cladding and interconnected with flashings, window and door openings, and other penetrations of the building enclosure to provide drainage of water to the exterior of the building. These materials that form the water resistant barrier overlap each other shingle fashion or are sealed so that water drains down and out of the assembly.
WQP
Water Quality Parameters
WQS
Water Quality Standard
WSM
Watershed Model
WTIE
Wastewater Treatment and Information Exchange
WWT
Wastewater Treatment
Xeriscaping
Climate-tuned landscaping that minimizes outdoor water use while maintaining soil integrity and building aesthetics. Typically includes emphasis on native plantings, mulching, and no/or/limited drip/subsurface irrigation.
Zero Energy House
Any house that averages out to net zero energy consumption. A zero energy home can supply more than its needs during peak demand, typically using one or more solar energy strategies, energy storage and/or net metering. In a zero energy home, efficiencies in the building enclosure and HVAC are great enough that plug loads tend to dominate and so these homes must have the added focus of high efficiency appliances and lighting.
Zoning
Town, county or state regulations that specify the limitations on the use of property. Generally, towns set aside certain parcels of land designed to be developed for strictly industrial or commercial use to avoid mixing residential properties with properties dedicated for dangerous or heavy-use. Downtown often carry strict zoning, as do area surrounding schools.








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