NORMI CMR key terms

A type of fungus that grows as branching filaments called hyphae and reproduces by releasing spores; it needs moisture, organic material, and suitable temperatures to grow indoors.

A single thread-like filament of a fungus; hyphae grow into and digest organic materials and together form the visible colony body called the mycelium.

The network of hyphae that makes up the growing body of a mold colony, often hidden inside porous materials even when the visible surface looks clean.

A microscopic reproductive cell released by mold that can travel through air and settle on surfaces; spores are present everywhere but germinate only when moisture conditions allow.

The stage in which a spore absorbs water and begins to grow hyphae; it requires adequate moisture and a food source, which is why drying is central to mold control.

The origin of excess water that allows mold growth, such as a leak, condensation, high humidity, or flooding; remediation is incomplete until the source is corrected.

The amount of water held in a material, often expressed as a percentage of its dry weight; it is measured to confirm whether building materials are dry enough for normal use.

A handheld instrument used to detect and compare moisture in building materials; pin-type meters measure at contact points, while pinless meters scan a wider area without penetrating the surface.

The amount of water vapor in the air expressed as a percentage of the maximum the air can hold at that temperature; high indoor relative humidity promotes mold growth.

Water that forms when moist air contacts a cooler surface; repeated condensation on windows, walls, or ducts can create enough moisture to support mold growth.

Any unwanted intrusion of water into a building, from leaks, floods, or plumbing failures; it is the most common cause of indoor mold growth and drives remediation scope.

A material that absorbs and holds water internally, such as drywall, carpet, or insulation; porous materials with mold growth often cannot be cleaned and must be removed.

A material that absorbs water slowly or only at its surface, such as concrete, wood, or plaster; it may be cleaned or sanded if the mold has not penetrated deeply.

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

A documented investigation of a building for mold and moisture problems, including a visual inspection, moisture readings, and often air or surface sampling to characterize conditions.

The process of removing mold growth and contaminated materials, correcting the moisture problem, and returning the affected space to a clean and dry condition.

A written plan that defines the work area, containment, removal methods, cleaning procedures, and clearance criteria for a specific mold remediation project.

A temporary barrier, such as plastic sheeting or sealed doorways, that keeps dust and spores from spreading from the work area to occupied spaces during remediation.

A pressure difference in which air flows into the work area from surrounding spaces rather than out; it keeps contaminants inside containment and is checked with a manometer.

A portable fan and filter unit, usually using HEPA filtration, that removes particles from air in a contained work area and helps maintain negative pressure.

A high-efficiency particulate air filter rated to remove at least 99.97 percent of particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter; it is the standard for remediation vacuuming and air cleaning.

A vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter and sealed housing, used to clean surfaces and debris during remediation without releasing captured spores back into the air.

The final verification that remediation is complete, based on visual inspection and, where specified, sampling or other checks showing the work area is clean.

Air or surface sampling performed after remediation to confirm that contamination levels have returned to normal and the work area is suitable for reoccupancy.

Collecting airborne particles to estimate the types and concentrations of mold spores in a space; results are interpreted alongside outdoor or unaffected-area comparison samples.

A sampling device that draws air through a small opening onto a collection surface, capturing airborne spores for microscopic counting and identification.

A sample collected from an outdoor or unaffected indoor location for comparison with a suspect area, helping distinguish normal background spores from an indoor amplification problem.

Collecting material from a surface, by tape lift or swab, to identify mold growth or confirm that a surface has been cleaned.

A surface sampling method in which clear tape is pressed onto a suspect area and mounted on a slide for microscopic examination of spores and hyphae.

The condition of air inside a building as it affects occupant health and comfort, influenced by ventilation, moisture, particles, and chemical or biological contaminants.

The exchange of indoor air with outdoor air or filtered supply air; adequate ventilation helps control humidity and dilute airborne contaminants such as spores.

An instrument that measures temperature and relative humidity, used to check whether indoor conditions favor mold growth or support drying.

A device that measures small pressure differences between spaces, used to verify that containment is under negative pressure during remediation.

The controlled removal of moisture from materials and air using ventilation, dehumidification, and air movement, restoring normal moisture levels after water damage.

A device that removes water vapor from air, lowering relative humidity in a work area so that wet materials can dry and mold cannot continue to grow.

Water that is grossly contaminated, such as sewage or floodwater, and can carry harmful microorganisms; materials affected by it are generally removed rather than dried in place.

Gear worn to protect the worker from exposure, including respirators, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing selected for the hazards of the remediation task.

A fitted facepiece that filters inhaled air, such as an N95 or a half-face respirator with P100 cartridges, worn to reduce exposure to airborne mold and dust.