Applied Microbial Remediation Technician key terms

A measure of the free moisture available in a material that microorganisms can use for growth, expressed on a scale from 0 to 1. Mold generally requires elevated values to colonize building materials.

The amount of water held in a material, usually reported as a percentage of its dry weight. It is measured to judge whether building materials are dry enough for clearance.

A handheld instrument that estimates moisture in building materials, either by electrical resistance or capacitance. Readings are relative and should be compared with known dry reference areas.

The temperature at which air becomes saturated and water vapor begins to condense. Surfaces cooler than the 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. High indoor values slow drying and favor mold growth.

An instrument that measures temperature and relative humidity, often with a probe for confined spaces. Data loggers record these values over time to document drying conditions.

Equipment that removes water vapor from air, either by refrigerant condensation or desiccant absorption. It lowers indoor humidity so wet materials can release moisture and dry.

A high-velocity fan used to circulate air across wet surfaces and inside wall cavities. Airflow speeds evaporation and helps carry moisture to a dehumidifier.

A vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air filter that captures particles of 0.3 micrometers at 99.97 percent efficiency. It is used for final cleaning of mold-contaminated surfaces.

A high-efficiency particulate air filter rated to remove at least 99.97 percent of airborne particles at 0.3 micrometers. It is used in vacuums, air scrubbers, and negative air machines.

A portable unit that draws air through HEPA and sometimes carbon filters to reduce airborne spores and odors. It is often placed inside containment during remediation.

A condition in which air pressure inside a work area is lower than in surrounding spaces, so air flows inward rather than outward. It prevents contaminants from escaping containment.

Physical barriers such as plastic sheeting and zippers that isolate a work area from occupied spaces. Proper containment limits the spread of spores and dust during removal activities.

A containment component, such as a doorway flap or sealed penetration, whose failure would allow contaminants to escape the work area. These barriers are inspected and maintained daily.

Mechanical scrubbing or sanding of contaminated surfaces to remove mold and residue. It is used on structural materials that cannot be removed and must be cleaned in place.

A chemical agent that kills or inhibits microorganisms. It may be applied to nonporous surfaces after cleaning, but it does not replace removal of contaminated porous materials.

A product applied to a surface to inhibit microbial growth. It is not a substitute for cleaning and drying, and its use should follow manufacturer directions and project specifications.

A material with open structure, such as drywall, carpet, or insulation, that absorbs water and allows mold to grow within it. Such materials are usually removed rather than cleaned.

A material such as wood or concrete that can absorb some moisture and may support surface growth. It often can be dried and cleaned if contamination has not penetrated deeply.

A material such as metal, glass, or sealed tile that does not readily absorb water. Mold on these surfaces is usually limited to the surface and can be cleaned.

A cleanliness condition in which surfaces are free of settled spores and normal fungal ecology is present. It is the target condition for occupied spaces and post-remediation clearance.

A cleanliness condition in which settled spores are present but at levels typical of a normal indoor environment. It may be acceptable in some areas but is not the goal of remediation.

A cleanliness condition in which actual mold growth or settled spores are present at levels beyond normal background. It indicates contamination requiring remediation.

A written document describing the scope, methods, containment, schedule, and clearance criteria for a mold project. It guides workers and documents decisions for the client.

The specific sequence of steps and procedures used to remove contamination and restore a space. It is developed from the work plan and adjusted as field conditions change.

A visual and sometimes sampling evaluation performed after remediation to confirm the work area meets specified cleanliness criteria. Passing clearance allows containment to be removed.

Water from a clean source, such as a supply line or rainwater, that poses little risk of illness. It can degrade to Category 2 or 3 if left standing.

Water containing significant contamination, such as discharge from washing machines or toilet overflow without solids, that may cause discomfort or illness. It is also called gray water.

Water that is grossly contaminated and may contain pathogens, toxins, or sewage, including toilet backflow and rising floodwater. It is also called black water and requires protective measures.

The overflow or reverse flow of wastewater from a drain or sewer into a building. It is treated as Category 3 contamination and requires containment, PPE, and disinfection.

Wastewater containing human waste or other gross contamination, including sewage and floodwater. It carries high risk of disease and must be handled with full protective measures.

Wastewater from sinks, showers, or appliances that contains some contamination but no toilet waste. It is Category 2 water and can become Category 3 if left untreated.

Clothing and equipment worn to protect workers from hazards, including gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection. Selection depends on the contamination category and tasks performed.

A device worn over the face to filter or supply clean breathing air. It is selected based on contaminant type and exposure level and requires fit testing and training.

A disposable protective coverall that resists liquid and particulate contamination. It is worn during sewage cleanup and removed carefully to avoid spreading contaminants.

The process of reducing pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces to levels considered safe. It follows cleaning and removal of debris and is applied to affected structural materials.

A treatment that reduces microorganisms to levels judged safe by public health standards. It is less stringent than disinfection and is used on surfaces with lower contamination risk.

A substance or treatment that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms. In sewage work it is applied after cleaning to reduce pathogens on affected surfaces.

The physical removal of standing water and moisture from surfaces and cavities using vacuums or pumps. Thorough extraction shortens drying time and limits contamination spread.

An enclosed area where temperature, humidity, and airflow are controlled to dry wet materials. It is used after sewage cleanup to restore structural components to acceptable moisture levels.