Allergen - A substance inducing an allergic reaction (e.g.: mould, pollen, dust, grasses).
Antigen - Fungi, bacteria, or other toxins that induce an immune reaction
Antimicrobial - A method or product that discourages or inhibits the growth of microorganisms
CMHC - Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Colony - Individual fungi growing collectively
Containment - Technique used to prevent the spread of mould from a contaminated area to other areas.
Contaminant - A substance present in an environment where it does not belong that can have adverse effects.
Cross-contamination - The spread of contaminates from the affected area to (formerly) unaffected areas.
Decontamination - Disinfection of contaminated areas, materials, or other items to make them suitable for use.
Dehumidification - A process that decreases the moisture content in the air.
Disinfectant - A method or chemical used on objects to destroy unwanted microorganisms.
EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
Fungus – An organism that live by decaying and absorbing the organic material in which they grow.
Hazardous materials - A class of materials that can be harmful to one’s health.
HEPA - High Efficiency Particulate Air filter can remove 99.97% of aerosolized particles to 0.3 microns in size.
Humidity - Dampness and/or moisture in the air
HVAC - Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
IAQ - Indoor air quality
IAQA - Indoor Air Quality Association
IICRC - Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification
Incubation - Cultivation of microorganisms in surroundings favourable to their growth.
Microbial volatile organic compound (MVOC) - Odours formed by active bacteria or fungi (“musty” or “mouldy”).
Microbiologist - A scientist who studies biology and microorganisms and their effects on other living organisms
Micron - A micron is a unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter commonly used in particle measurement.
Mildew - Mildew is a fungus that produces an external growth on organic matter found on various decaying substances.
Mould - A growth produced especially on damp or decaying organic matter or on living organisms by a fungus.
Mycotoxin - A toxin produced by fungus.
Negative pressure - To lessen the air pressure in a space to that of the surrounding areas
Off-gassing - Release of airborne particles or vapours
Organism - An individual plant or life form
Positive pressure - To create air pressure within a space that is greater than that of the surrounding areas
Relative humidity - The amount of moisture held in the air relative to the temperature.
Remediation - The process of removing a problem such as mould infestation
Respirator - A mask-like device, worn over the mouth, or nose and mouth, to protect the respiratory tract
Sampling - The process of collecting materials (such as mould spores) OMIT for analyses
Scope of work - A remediation work plan outlining steps to be taken
Spore - A small reproductive particle that is capable of growing into a new organism (like a seed).
Swab test - The process of removing a small portion of surface material for analysis.
Toxin - A poisonous (toxic) substance.
WHO - World Health Organization
