Glossary

Plain-language definitions for every term you will encounter. Browse by letter or filter by category.

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Mold Types49Testing & Assessment54Remediation49Health Effects28Building Science49Legal & Insurance24

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4

48-Hour Rule

The guideline that wet materials must be dried within 48 hours to prevent mold growth from starting.

Remediation

A

Aspergillus

A common indoor mold genus with many species, some of which can cause respiratory infections in vulnerable people.

Mold Types

Alternaria

A common outdoor mold genus that enters buildings through air and is a frequent cause of allergic reactions.

Mold Types

Air Sampling

Collecting airborne particles on a medium to identify and quantify mold spores present in indoor environments.

Testing & Assessment

Air Scrubber

A portable HEPA filtration unit that cleans airborne particles from indoor air during and after remediation.

Remediation

Antimicrobial

A chemical agent applied to surfaces to inhibit or kill mold and prevent regrowth after cleaning.

Remediation

Allergen

A substance such as mold spores that triggers an immune response causing allergic symptoms in sensitive people.

Health Effects

Allergic Rhinitis

Inflammation of nasal passages triggered by allergens like mold spores, causing congestion and sneezing.

Health Effects

Asthma

A chronic respiratory condition that mold exposure can trigger or worsen, causing wheezing and breathing difficulty.

Health Effects

Aspergillosis

A fungal infection caused by Aspergillus species that can affect the lungs and other organs in vulnerable people.

Health Effects

Aflatoxin

A potent carcinogenic mycotoxin produced by certain Aspergillus species found on food and building materials.

Health Effects

Attic Mold

Mold growth in attic spaces typically caused by inadequate ventilation, roof leaks, or bathroom exhaust issues.

Mold Types

Accredited Laboratory

A testing facility certified by organizations like AIHA or EMLAP to perform accurate mold analysis.

Testing & Assessment

AIHA

American Industrial Hygiene Association, an organization that accredits laboratories for environmental testing.

Testing & Assessment

Abatement

The process of reducing or eliminating mold contamination from a building through removal and cleaning.

Remediation

Air Mover

A high-velocity fan used to accelerate evaporation and drying of wet building materials after water damage.

Remediation

Air Exchange Rate

The number of times indoor air is replaced with outdoor air per hour, affecting moisture and pollutant levels.

Building Science

Attic Ventilation

Soffit, ridge, and gable vents that allow air circulation to remove moisture and prevent mold in attic spaces.

Building Science

Acute Exposure

Short-term, high-level mold contact that can cause immediate symptoms like coughing, eye irritation, and headaches.

Health Effects

Aureobasidium

A yeast-like fungus commonly found on painted surfaces, caulking, and window frames exposed to moisture.

Mold Types

Acremonium

A slow-growing mold found on water-damaged materials and HVAC systems that produces small, wet-looking colonies.

Mold Types

ACAC

American Council for Accredited Certification, a body offering credentials for mold inspectors and remediators.

Testing & Assessment

Amplification

The increase in mold spore levels indoors compared to outdoor baseline, indicating an indoor growth source.

Mold Types

Allergen Testing

Analysis of dust or air samples to identify and quantify allergenic substances including mold proteins.

Testing & Assessment

Air Barrier

A material or assembly that restricts uncontrolled air movement through the building envelope.

Building Science

Air Quality Monitor

A device that continuously measures indoor pollutants including particulate matter, VOCs, and humidity levels.

Testing & Assessment

B

Black Mold

A common name for Stachybotrys chartarum, a dark-colored mold associated with chronic water damage.

Mold Types

Building-Related Illness

A diagnosable illness directly attributed to airborne contaminants in a building, such as Legionnaires' disease.

Health Effects

Building Envelope

The physical barrier between the interior and exterior of a building including walls, roof, and foundation.

Building Science

Basement Mold

Mold growth in below-grade spaces caused by foundation leaks, high humidity, or poor drainage around the building.

Mold Types

Bulk Sample

A piece of material removed from a building and sent to a lab for mold analysis and species identification.

Testing & Assessment

Baseline Sample

An outdoor air sample taken for comparison against indoor samples to evaluate whether indoor mold levels are elevated.

Testing & Assessment

Biocide

A chemical substance that kills mold and other microorganisms, applied during remediation to treat affected surfaces.

Remediation

Bathroom Mold

Mold growth in bathrooms caused by high humidity from showers and baths combined with poor ventilation.

Mold Types

Biofilm

A slimy layer of microorganisms including mold that adheres to surfaces in moist environments like HVAC systems.

Mold Types

Building Code

Local regulations governing construction standards including moisture management and ventilation requirements.

Legal & Insurance

Biotoxin

A toxic substance produced by a living organism, including mycotoxins and endotoxins found in moldy environments.

Health Effects

Beta Glucan

A cell wall component of fungi that can trigger inflammatory immune responses when inhaled by building occupants.

Health Effects

C

Cladosporium

One of the most common outdoor and indoor mold genera, typically olive-green to brown in appearance.

Mold Types

Condensation

Water droplets forming on surfaces when moist air contacts a surface below the dew point temperature.

Building Science

Clearance Testing

Air or surface sampling performed after remediation to confirm mold levels meet acceptable standards.

Testing & Assessment

CFU

Colony Forming Unit, a measure of viable mold organisms that can grow when cultured on laboratory media.

Testing & Assessment

Containment

Physical barriers of polyethylene sheeting used to isolate a mold-affected area and prevent cross-contamination.

Remediation

Cellulose

An organic compound found in wood, paper, and drywall that serves as a primary food source for many mold species.

Building Science

Crawl Space

A shallow, unfinished area beneath a building that is prone to moisture accumulation and mold growth.

Building Science

Culture Plate

A laboratory dish with growth media used to cultivate and identify viable mold organisms from collected samples.

Testing & Assessment

CIH

Certified Industrial Hygienist, a credential held by professionals qualified to assess mold and air quality.

Testing & Assessment

Control Sample

A sample taken from an unaffected area of a building to compare against samples from suspected mold areas.

Testing & Assessment

Coil Cleaning

Cleaning HVAC evaporator and condenser coils to remove mold and biofilm that thrive in moist conditions.

Remediation

Caulking

A sealant applied around tubs, showers, and windows to prevent water from reaching building materials behind.

Building Science

Cross-Contamination

The spread of mold spores from a contaminated area to clean areas through air movement or improper handling.

Remediation

Chronic Exposure

Long-term, repeated contact with mold that can lead to ongoing respiratory problems and increased sensitization.

Health Effects

CIRS

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, a multi-system illness some researchers link to water-damaged buildings.

Health Effects

Chaetomium

A mold genus commonly found on water-damaged drywall and paper that produces a musty odor.

Mold Types

Colony

A visible cluster of mold growing from a single origin point on a surface, indicating active reproduction.

Mold Types

Conidiophore

A specialized fungal structure that produces and releases asexual spores called conidia into the air.

Mold Types

Conidia

Asexual spores produced by molds on conidiophores, serving as the primary means of airborne dispersal.

Mold Types

Conflict of Interest

A situation where the same company performs both mold testing and remediation, compromising objectivity.

Legal & Insurance

Category 1 Water

Clean water from a sanitary source like a broken supply line that does not pose a health threat initially.

Building Science

Category 2 Water

Gray water containing some contamination from sources like washing machines or dishwashers that may cause illness.

Building Science

Category 3 Water

Black water from sewage, flooding, or stagnant sources that contains pathogens and requires full remediation.

Building Science

Class 1 Water Damage

The least severe water loss affecting only a small area with minimal moisture absorption into materials.

Building Science

Class 2 Water Damage

Water loss affecting an entire room with moisture wicking up walls to a height of 24 inches or less.

Building Science

Class 3 Water Damage

The most severe water loss where water has saturated walls, ceilings, insulation, and subfloors.

Building Science

CMI

Certified Mold Inspector, a professional credential for individuals trained to inspect buildings for mold problems.

Testing & Assessment

CMR

Certified Mold Remediator, a professional credential for individuals trained to perform mold remediation work.

Remediation

Condition 1

A normal fungal ecology where indoor mold levels and types are consistent with or lower than outdoor levels.

Testing & Assessment

Condition 2

Settled spores in an indoor environment indicating past or distant contamination without active mold growth.

Testing & Assessment

Condition 3

Active mold growth present on building materials, requiring remediation to restore normal conditions.

Testing & Assessment

Compliance

Adherence to applicable mold regulations, industry standards, and best practices during assessment and remediation.

Legal & Insurance

Chain of Custody

A documented trail tracking mold samples from collection through transport to laboratory analysis.

Testing & Assessment

D

Dew Point

The temperature at which air becomes saturated and water vapor begins to condense on cooler surfaces.

Building Science

Dehumidification

The process of removing excess moisture from indoor air using mechanical dehumidifiers to prevent mold growth.

Remediation

Drywall

A gypsum-based wall panel with paper facing that is highly susceptible to mold growth when exposed to moisture.

Building Science

Direct Examination

Microscopic analysis of a sample to identify mold spore types and estimate concentrations without culturing.

Testing & Assessment

Dry Ice Blasting

A non-abrasive cleaning method that uses compressed dry ice pellets to remove mold from structural surfaces.

Remediation

Demolition

The controlled removal of mold-damaged building materials such as drywall, insulation, and flooring.

Remediation

Decontamination Chamber

An airlock area between the containment zone and clean area where workers remove contaminated PPE.

Remediation

Desiccant Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier using a chemical desiccant wheel to absorb moisture, effective at low temperatures.

Remediation

Duct Cleaning

Professional cleaning of HVAC ductwork to remove accumulated mold, dust, and debris from air distribution systems.

Remediation

Drain Pan

A tray beneath HVAC coils that collects condensation, requiring regular cleaning to prevent mold growth.

Building Science

Drainage

Systems such as gutters, downspouts, and french drains that move water away from a building's foundation.

Building Science

Dose Response

The relationship between the amount of mold exposure and the severity of resulting health effects.

Health Effects

Documentation

Written records of mold inspections, test results, remediation activities, and clearance that may be needed legally.

Legal & Insurance

Drying Goal

The target moisture content that building materials must reach during structural drying, typically matching dry standards.

Remediation

Dehumidifier

A mechanical device that removes moisture from indoor air to maintain humidity below levels that support mold growth.

Remediation

E

ERMI

Environmental Relative Moldiness Index, a DNA-based scoring system comparing a home's mold levels to a national sample.

Testing & Assessment

Encapsulant

A coating applied over cleaned surfaces to seal residual mold spores and prevent future growth.

Remediation

Encapsulation

Sealing a crawl space with vapor barriers on floors and walls to control moisture and prevent mold growth.

Remediation

Exhaust Fan

A fan that vents moisture-laden air from bathrooms and kitchens to the outside to reduce indoor humidity.

Building Science

EPA Guidelines

Recommendations from the Environmental Protection Agency for mold cleanup in schools, homes, and commercial buildings.

Legal & Insurance

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency, the federal body that publishes mold guidance but does not set enforceable standards.

Legal & Insurance

Exposure Pathway

The route by which mold enters the body, primarily through inhalation but also through skin contact or ingestion.

Health Effects

Endotoxin

A toxin from the cell walls of gram-negative bacteria often found alongside mold in water-damaged buildings.

Health Effects

Epicoccum

A common outdoor mold that enters buildings through open windows and ventilation, often seen in settled dust.

Mold Types

Efflorescence

White crystalline deposits on concrete or masonry surfaces caused by water moving through and evaporating.

Building Science

F

Fungi

A kingdom of organisms including molds, yeasts, and mushrooms that decompose organic matter for nutrients.

Mold Types

Fungicide

A chemical agent specifically designed to kill fungi and prevent mold regrowth on treated surfaces.

Remediation

Full-Face Respirator

A respirator covering the entire face with P100 cartridges, required for large-scale mold remediation projects.

Remediation

Foundation Leak

Water entry through cracks or joints in a building's foundation that leads to basement moisture and mold.

Building Science

Flashing

Sheet metal or other material installed at joints and transitions to direct water away from building surfaces.

Building Science

Fusarium

A mold genus found in water-damaged buildings that can cause eye, skin, and nail infections in some people.

Mold Types

Fruiting Body

A visible reproductive structure of certain fungi that produces and disperses spores into the environment.

Mold Types

Flow Rate

The volume of air per minute drawn through a sampling cassette, typically set at 15 liters per minute for spore traps.

Testing & Assessment

Flood Damage

Building damage from rising water events that introduces category 3 contamination and widespread mold risk.

Building Science

G

Grading

The slope of soil around a building's foundation that should direct water away to prevent moisture intrusion.

Building Science

Grain Depression

The difference in moisture content between the air entering and leaving a drying chamber, measuring drying efficiency.

Testing & Assessment

H

Hyphae

Thread-like filaments that form the structural body of a mold colony and penetrate into growth surfaces.

Mold Types

HERTSMI-2

A simplified ERMI panel testing for five mold species most associated with water-damaged buildings and illness.

Testing & Assessment

HEPA

High Efficiency Particulate Air filter that captures 99.97 percent of particles 0.3 microns and larger.

Remediation

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

An inflammatory lung disease caused by repeated inhalation of organic dusts including mold spores.

Health Effects

HVAC Mold

Mold growth within heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that can spread spores throughout a building.

Mold Types

Hidden Mold

Mold growing behind walls, under floors, or in concealed spaces that is not visible during routine inspection.

Mold Types

Hygrometer

An instrument that measures relative humidity and temperature in indoor environments to assess mold risk.

Testing & Assessment

HEPA Vacuum

A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter used to remove settled mold spores from surfaces during remediation.

Remediation

Half-Face Respirator

A reusable respirator with P100 cartridges used for moderate mold remediation projects covering 10 to 100 sq ft.

Remediation

HVAC

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems that regulate indoor climate and air quality in buildings.

Building Science

Habitability

The legal standard requiring rental properties to be safe and livable, which mold contamination can violate.

Legal & Insurance

Health Risk Assessment

An evaluation of potential health effects from mold exposure based on species, concentration, and occupant vulnerability.

Health Effects

Hydrophilic

Describing mold species that require high moisture levels above 0.90 water activity to grow and colonize.

Mold Types

Health Risk

The probability that mold exposure will cause adverse health effects based on species, duration, and susceptibility.

Health Effects

I

IICRC

Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, the body setting mold remediation standards.

Remediation

Industrial Hygienist

A certified professional who assesses indoor environments for mold, air quality, and other health hazards.

Testing & Assessment

Indoor Air Quality

The condition of air inside buildings as it relates to occupant health, comfort, and the presence of pollutants.

Health Effects

IAQ

Indoor Air Quality, a measure of how clean and safe the air inside a building is for occupants to breathe.

Health Effects

Immunocompromised

A state of weakened immune function that increases a person's susceptibility to mold-related infections.

Health Effects

Infrared Camera

A device that creates thermal images showing temperature variations that reveal hidden moisture in building materials.

Testing & Assessment

Insulation

Material installed in walls, attics, and floors that can trap moisture and support mold growth if improperly installed.

Building Science

Insurance Claim

A formal request to an insurance company for coverage of mold damage, often tied to a covered water loss event.

Legal & Insurance

Inflammatory Response

The body's immune reaction to mold exposure, causing swelling, redness, and tissue damage in affected areas.

Health Effects

Indicator Species

Mold genera like Stachybotrys or Chaetomium whose presence strongly suggests ongoing water damage in a building.

Mold Types

Ice Dam

A ridge of ice at a roof edge that traps melting snow, forcing water under shingles and into the building.

Building Science

L

Laboratory Analysis

Professional examination of mold samples by accredited laboratories to identify species and quantify contamination.

Testing & Assessment

Landlord Responsibility

A landlord's duty to maintain habitable conditions by addressing moisture problems and mold in rental properties.

Legal & Insurance

M

Mold

A type of fungus that grows in multicellular filaments and reproduces by releasing airborne spores.

Mold Types

Mildew

A surface-level fungal growth that appears flat and powdery, typically white or gray in early stages.

Mold Types

Mycelium

The network of branching hyphae that makes up the main body of a fungal colony within a substrate.

Mold Types

Mycotoxin

A toxic secondary metabolite produced by certain mold species that can cause illness through inhalation or contact.

Health Effects

MVOC

Microbial Volatile Organic Compound, a gas produced by active mold growth that creates musty or earthy odors.

Testing & Assessment

Moisture Intrusion

Unwanted entry of water into a building through leaks, cracks, or failures in the building envelope.

Building Science

Moisture Meter

A handheld device that measures the moisture content of building materials using pin or pinless technology.

Testing & Assessment

Mold Allergy

An immune response to inhaled mold spores causing sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and respiratory symptoms.

Health Effects

Mycosis

Any disease caused by a fungal infection, ranging from superficial skin infections to systemic illness.

Health Effects

Mold Assessment

A professional evaluation of a building to determine the presence, extent, and type of mold contamination.

Testing & Assessment

Mold Inspection

A visual examination of a building to identify signs of mold growth, moisture problems, and water damage.

Testing & Assessment

Moisture Mapping

A systematic survey documenting moisture levels across building surfaces to define the extent of water damage.

Testing & Assessment

Moisture Content

The percentage of water in a building material, measured to determine if conditions support mold growth.

Testing & Assessment

Mold Prevention

Proactive measures including moisture control, ventilation, and prompt leak repair to stop mold before it starts.

Mold Types

Mold Resistant Drywall

Drywall with fiberglass facing instead of paper that resists mold growth in moisture-prone areas.

Building Science

Mold Resistant Paint

Paint containing antimicrobial additives that inhibit mold growth on painted interior surfaces.

Building Science

Musty Odor

A distinctive earthy smell produced by MVOCs that often indicates active mold growth, even if not visible.

Mold Types

Mold Disclosure

A legal requirement in many states for property sellers to disclose known mold problems to potential buyers.

Legal & Insurance

Mold Liability

Legal responsibility of property owners or landlords for mold damage and health effects caused by negligence.

Legal & Insurance

Mold Exclusion

A clause in insurance policies that limits or eliminates coverage for mold damage and remediation costs.

Legal & Insurance

Mold Endorsement

An optional insurance rider that adds mold coverage back to a policy that otherwise excludes it.

Legal & Insurance

Mucor

A fast-growing mold genus found in soil and decaying matter that requires high moisture levels to thrive.

Mold Types

Mesophilic

Describing mold species that grow best at moderate temperatures between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mold Types

Mold Remediation Contractor

A professional company trained and equipped to safely remove mold contamination from buildings.

Remediation

Mold Remediation License

A state-issued credential required in some jurisdictions to legally perform mold remediation work.

Legal & Insurance

Mold Assessor License

A state license required in some jurisdictions for professionals who inspect and test for mold contamination.

Legal & Insurance

Mold Spore

A tiny reproductive cell that mold releases into the air to colonize new surfaces when conditions are suitable.

Mold Types

Mold Warranty

A guarantee from a remediation contractor that mold will not return within a specified period if conditions are maintained.

Legal & Insurance

Moisture Source

The origin of water feeding mold growth, which must be identified and repaired before remediation can succeed.

Building Science

Mold Growth Rate

The speed at which mold colonizes a surface, which increases with higher moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels.

Mold Types

Microbial Growth

The proliferation of microorganisms including mold, bacteria, and yeast on building materials in moist conditions.

Mold Types

Moisture Barrier

A waterproof layer installed in floors, walls, or crawl spaces to block liquid water from reaching building materials.

Building Science

N

Negative Air Machine

A HEPA-filtered device that exhausts air from a contained area to create negative pressure and prevent spore spread.

Remediation

Non-Viable Sampling

A method that collects all mold particles, living and dead, for identification by microscopy without culturing.

Testing & Assessment

Negative Pressure

A condition where air pressure inside a contained area is lower than outside, preventing spore escape.

Remediation

N95 Respirator

A filtering facepiece that blocks at least 95 percent of airborne particles, used for small mold jobs.

Remediation

Negligence

Failure to exercise reasonable care in maintaining a property, which can create legal liability for mold damage.

Legal & Insurance

O

Organic Material

Carbon-based substances like wood, paper, and fabric that provide nutrients for mold to grow and colonize.

Mold Types

OSHA Mold Standards

OSHA guidelines for protecting workers from mold exposure during remediation, though no specific PEL exists for mold.

Legal & Insurance

Outdoor Comparison

Comparing indoor mold levels to outdoor levels to determine if indoor amplification of specific species is occurring.

Testing & Assessment

Occupant Notification

The process of informing building occupants about mold findings, remediation plans, and any necessary precautions.

Legal & Insurance

P

Penicillium

A widespread mold genus often found on water-damaged materials, producing blue-green colonies and musty odors.

Mold Types

PCR Testing

Polymerase Chain Reaction analysis that identifies mold species by amplifying and detecting their DNA sequences.

Testing & Assessment

Post-Remediation Verification

A final inspection and testing process confirming that mold remediation was completed successfully.

Testing & Assessment

Particle Counter

A device that counts and sizes airborne particles to assess overall air quality and filtration effectiveness.

Testing & Assessment

Polyethylene Sheeting

Plastic sheeting used to construct containment barriers that isolate mold work areas from clean spaces.

Remediation

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment worn during mold work, including respirators, gloves, goggles, and coveralls.

Remediation

Plumbing Leak

Water escaping from pipes, fixtures, or connections that creates concealed moisture and mold behind walls.

Building Science

Property Inspection

An evaluation of a property's condition, often including mold assessment, conducted before a real estate transaction.

Legal & Insurance

Psychrometry

The science of measuring air moisture properties used to determine drying conditions during water restoration.

Testing & Assessment

Primer

A base coating applied before paint that can include mold-inhibiting properties for use on remediated surfaces.

Remediation

Positive Pressure

Higher air pressure inside a building compared to outside, which can push moisture into wall cavities.

Building Science

Pre-Remediation Assessment

Testing and inspection performed before remediation begins to establish the scope and condition of contamination.

Testing & Assessment

R

Relative Humidity

The percentage of moisture in air compared to the maximum it can hold, with mold risk rising above 60 percent.

Building Science

Remediation Protocol

A written plan detailing the scope, methods, and safety measures for removing mold from a contaminated area.

Remediation

Respiratory Symptoms

Breathing problems such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath that mold exposure can cause or worsen.

Health Effects

Remediation

The process of removing, cleaning, or treating mold-contaminated materials to restore a safe indoor environment.

Remediation

Refrigerant Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier that cools air to condense moisture, most effective in warm and humid conditions.

Remediation

Roof Leak

Water penetration through a damaged or deteriorated roof that causes hidden moisture and mold in attic spaces.

Building Science

Real Estate Transaction

The purchase or sale of property where mold presence can affect value, negotiations, and disclosure requirements.

Legal & Insurance

Rhizopus

A bread mold genus that grows rapidly on moist organic materials and can cause infections in immunocompromised people.

Mold Types

R520

The IICRC reference guide providing detailed procedures and explanations for the S520 mold remediation standard.

Remediation

Respiratory Protection

Masks and respirators worn during mold work to prevent inhalation of spores and mycotoxins.

Remediation

Relocation

Temporarily moving building occupants out during mold remediation to protect them from spore exposure.

Legal & Insurance

S

Spore

A microscopic reproductive unit released by mold that can travel through air and germinate on moist surfaces.

Mold Types

Stachybotrys

A genus of mold commonly called black mold that grows on water-damaged cellulose materials like drywall.

Mold Types

Spore Trap

A sampling cassette that captures airborne particles on a sticky surface for microscopic mold identification.

Testing & Assessment

Spore Count

The number of mold spores per cubic meter of air, used to compare indoor levels to outdoor baseline levels.

Testing & Assessment

S520

The IICRC standard and reference guide for professional mold remediation procedures and practices.

Remediation

Sick Building Syndrome

A condition where building occupants experience health symptoms linked to time spent inside but no specific illness is found.

Health Effects

Substrate

The underlying material or surface on which mold grows, such as drywall, wood, or insulation.

Building Science

Surface Sampling

Collecting mold samples from surfaces using tape lifts, swabs, or bulk methods for laboratory analysis.

Testing & Assessment

Swab Sample

A sampling method using a sterile swab rubbed across a surface to collect mold for culture or microscopy.

Testing & Assessment

Source Removal

Physically removing mold-contaminated materials from the building rather than simply cleaning the surface.

Remediation

Soda Blasting

A cleaning technique using sodium bicarbonate particles propelled by air to remove mold from wood and surfaces.

Remediation

Sanding

Mechanically abrading a surface to remove mold staining from wood, requiring containment and dust control.

Remediation

Sealant

A protective coating applied to remediated surfaces to lock in remaining spores and resist future moisture.

Remediation

Structural Drying

The process of removing moisture from building materials using dehumidifiers, air movers, and heat.

Remediation

Sump Pump

A pump installed in a basement pit that removes accumulated groundwater to prevent flooding and moisture damage.

Building Science

Sensitization

The process by which repeated mold exposure causes a person's immune system to develop an allergic response.

Health Effects

Scopulariopsis

A mold genus found in soil and damp indoor environments that can decompose cellulose and cause nail infections.

Mold Types

Spore Germination

The process by which a dormant mold spore begins to grow hyphae when it lands on a moist, nutrient-rich surface.

Mold Types

Scope of Work

A detailed document defining the boundaries, methods, and standards for a mold remediation project.

Remediation

Specific Humidity

The actual amount of moisture in a given volume of air, measured in grains per pound of dry air.

Testing & Assessment

S500

The IICRC standard and reference guide for professional water damage restoration procedures and practices.

Remediation

Species Identification

Laboratory determination of the exact mold genus and species present in a sample using microscopy or DNA analysis.

Testing & Assessment

Saprophyte

An organism like mold that feeds on dead or decaying organic matter, breaking it down into simpler compounds.

Mold Types

Sampling Pump

A calibrated air pump that draws a measured volume of air through a collection cassette for mold testing.

Testing & Assessment

Settled Dust Sampling

Collecting dust from surfaces to analyze for mold spores, providing evidence of past or ongoing contamination.

Testing & Assessment

Standing Water

Pooled water that has not been removed, creating ideal conditions for rapid mold growth within 24 to 48 hours.

Building Science

Stack Effect

The natural upward airflow in buildings caused by warm air rising, which can pull mold spores from lower levels.

Building Science

Spore Dispersal

The release and spread of mold spores through air currents, disturbance, or HVAC systems within a building.

Mold Types

T

Thermal Imaging

Using an infrared camera to detect temperature differences in building surfaces that indicate hidden moisture.

Testing & Assessment

Trichothecene

A class of mycotoxins produced by Stachybotrys and Fusarium molds that can cause severe health effects.

Health Effects

Tape Lift

A sampling method using clear adhesive tape pressed against a surface to collect mold spores for microscopy.

Testing & Assessment

Tyvek Suit

A disposable protective coverall worn during mold remediation to prevent spore contact with skin and clothing.

Remediation

Tenant Rights

Legal protections allowing renters to request mold remediation and, in some states, withhold rent for unsafe conditions.

Legal & Insurance

Trichoderma

A mold genus that grows on wet building materials and can produce enzymes that degrade cellulose-based products.

Mold Types

Thermophilic

Describing mold species that thrive at elevated temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mold Types

Third-Party Testing

Independent mold testing by a company separate from the remediation contractor to avoid conflicts of interest.

Testing & Assessment

Thermal Bridge

An area of higher heat transfer through a wall assembly that creates cold spots where condensation and mold can form.

Building Science

U

Ulocladium

A mold genus requiring significant water to grow, often found on drywall and wood after flooding events.

Mold Types

V

VOC

Volatile Organic Compound, a chemical that evaporates at room temperature and can indicate hidden contamination.

Testing & Assessment

Vapor Barrier

A material layer that resists moisture diffusion through walls, floors, or ceilings to prevent condensation.

Building Science

Visible Mold Growth

Mold that can be seen on surfaces without magnification, indicating active colonization and a moisture source.

Mold Types

Viable Sampling

A method that collects living mold organisms capable of growing in culture to determine species and viability.

Testing & Assessment

Ventilation

The exchange of indoor and outdoor air to control moisture, temperature, and contaminant levels in a building.

Building Science

Vapor Retarder

A material that slows but does not completely stop moisture diffusion through building assemblies.

Building Science

X

Xerophilic

Describing organisms that can grow in dry conditions with very low water activity levels below 0.80.

Mold Types

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