Glossary
The action of minimizing the presence and danger of hazardous material such as lead, asbestos, and mold by reducing it in amount, degree, or intensity. Regarding water damage or sewage backup, abatement is the ability of a water…
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To absorb is to take liquid into the body of a material, rather than leave it only on the surface.
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Absorption is the process by which a material takes a substance into its internal structure. In restoration, the substance is often water.
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Acoustic materials are products used to manage sound, including ceiling tiles, wall panels and insulation within assemblies.
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The affected area is the portion of a property involved in a particular damage event or proposed work scope.
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An air mover is equipment that directs airflow across or into an area. During drying, airflow helps moisture leave exposed wet surfaces.
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Also known as “indoor air quality (IAQ) testing”, “air testing”, “mold testing” or similar, refers to the process of collecting samples of ambient air and its contents from a selected indoor area of a property. The sampling is…
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An airlock is a controlled transition space between separated areas. In restoration, it can help manage movement into and out of a contained work zone.
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An allergen is a substance that can trigger an allergic response in a susceptible person. Not everyone reacts to the same substance.
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Antifungal describes an action or product intended to act against fungi. The word alone does not identify a product’s approved use or the surface it can treat.
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Abbreviation for Air-Purifying Respirator. This type of respirator has an air-purifying filter, cartridge or canister that removes specific air contaminants by passing air through the air-purifying element. ‹ Back To
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A naturally occurring fibrous mineral that had been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. Due to its strength and heat resistant properties, asbestos has been used…
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Atmospheric sanitation is a broad treatment description sometimes used for efforts to reduce contaminants in air. It is not a complete specification for a restoration…
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Background measurements provide comparison information from conditions outside the specific area or event being evaluated.
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A biological agent or condition that is a hazard to humans or the environment. Often, this biological waste is pathogenic in nature or contaminated in some way. Biohazard also includes infectious agents that present a risk or…
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Biological contaminants are unwanted materials of biological origin, such as microorganisms or material from animals and plants, in a particular environment.
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Bioremediation uses biological activity to reduce or transform certain contaminants under controlled conditions.
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Contamination means that an unwanted substance or material is present where it does not belong. The source and the affected material determine what the finding means.
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Cross-contamination is the transfer of unwanted material from one location, surface or item to another.
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Dehumidification is the removal of water vapor from air. It is one part of managing moisture during structural drying.
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A dehumidifier removes water vapor from air. Refrigerant units collect condensation, while desiccant equipment uses moisture-attracting material as part of its process.
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A disinfectant is a product intended to control specified microorganisms on specified surfaces under the conditions stated on its label.
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Drying is the removal of moisture from air or materials. In water damage restoration, removing visible standing water and drying moisture retained in building materials are separate steps.How progress can be documentedAsk which…
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Evaporation is the change of a liquid into vapor. During property drying, it moves water from wet surfaces and materials into the surrounding air.
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