CRI key terms

A physical barrier such as plastic sheeting and negative air pressure that keeps dust, debris, and spores from spreading out of the work area into occupied spaces.

A condition where air flows into a work area from surrounding spaces because exhaust exceeds supply, preventing contaminants from escaping through gaps and openings.

Filtering air through a filter rated to capture at least 99.97 percent of particles 0.3 micron in size, used on vacuums and air scrubbers to trap spores and fine dust.

A vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air filter and sealed housing, used to remove loose debris without releasing captured particles back into the air.

A portable machine that pulls air through HEPA filters and often a prefilter, used inside containment to reduce airborne particles and help maintain negative pressure.

The number of times the full volume of a contained space is replaced with filtered or exhausted air in one hour, used to judge scrubbing and drying performance.

A containment component whose failure would allow contaminants to escape, such as a doorway flap, zipper door, or the seal between sheeting and floor.

A small entry and exit enclosure attached to containment where workers clean footwear, tools, and protective equipment before leaving the work area.

Heavy plastic film, commonly 4 to 6 mil, used to build walls, floors, and barriers in containment; thickness and fire rating matter for the application.

Gear worn to reduce exposure, such as respirators, eye protection, gloves, and protective suits, selected based on the hazards identified for the task.

A check that a tight-fitting respirator seals against the wearer's face; qualitative and quantitative methods verify fit, and users must be medically cleared and trained.

A filtering facepiece that removes at least 95 percent of airborne particles when properly fitted, often used for dust and spore protection during cleaning and mold work.

A cleaning method that avoids wetting contaminated material before capture, reducing the chance that moisture spreads contaminants or encourages mold growth.

Using damp cloths or mops with a detergent solution to capture soil and residues, followed by rinsing and drying to avoid leaving moisture behind.

A product that kills or inhibits microorganisms on surfaces; it is not a substitute for removing contamination and must be used according to its label directions.

A chemical registered to destroy or inactivate specific microorganisms on hard surfaces, effective only after visible soil and debris have been removed.

The contact time a chemical product must remain wet on a surface to work as labeled, often listed on the product label or safety data sheet.

A document providing hazard, handling, storage, and first-aid information for a chemical product; employers must keep it accessible to workers.

A device that measures moisture content in materials such as wood or drywall, helping locate wet areas and confirm whether drying goals have been reached.

Using an infrared camera to see temperature differences that can reveal hidden moisture, air leaks, or areas needing closer inspection with other tools.

A camera on a flexible probe used to look inside wall cavities, ducts, or other enclosed spaces without destructive opening.

The study of the properties of moist air, including temperature, humidity, and dew point, used to plan drying and predict condensation risk.

The temperature at which air becomes saturated and water vapor condenses; surfaces at or below dew point can collect moisture and support mold growth.

The amount of water vapor in air expressed as a percentage of the maximum it could hold at that temperature; it changes as temperature changes.

Water that forms when moist air cools below its dew point on a cooler surface, a common moisture source that can lead to mold growth indoors.

Water entering a building through leaks, flooding, plumbing failures, or vapor movement; identifying and stopping the source is required before drying or remediation.

Target moisture readings for affected materials, set using a dry reference from unaffected areas, that indicate when drying can stop.

Removing water vapor from air with refrigerant or desiccant equipment to speed drying and lower humidity inside a contained or affected space.

Directed airflow from fans that moves moisture from wet materials into the air so dehumidifiers can remove it; blocked airflow slows drying.

Water from a sanitary source that presents little risk from microorganisms, such as supply-line water; it can degrade to a lower category over time or contact.

Water with significant contamination, such as discharge from washing machines or toilets without solid waste, that can cause discomfort or illness if contacted.

Grossly contaminated water from sources such as sewage, ground surface water, or flooding, carrying pathogens and requiring heightened protective measures.

The process of extracting water, drying materials, cleaning, and repairing a structure after water intrusion, with decisions based on water category and material porosity.

A material that can be dried and cleaned to an acceptable condition rather than removed; porosity, contamination level, and structural integrity guide the call.

The process of finding the moisture source, removing or cleaning mold-affected materials, drying the structure, and preventing recurrence under a written scope of work.

Fungal colonization that requires moisture, organic material, and suitable temperatures; visible growth often indicates a moisture problem that must be corrected.

A written scope describing affected areas, containment, removal methods, cleaning, drying, and verification steps before work begins.

The final verification, often visual inspection plus air or surface sampling, confirming that remediation is complete and the work area is safe to return to service.

A systematic walkthrough using sight, moisture readings, and interviews to map affected areas, find the moisture source, and document conditions before work starts.