Glossary

Aflatoxin

A mycotoxin made by Aspergillus flavus and related molds on nuts and grains; a potent liver carcinogen classed IARC Group 1.

Allergen

A substance, here often mold spores or fragments, that triggers an immune response in sensitized people.

Aspergillosis

A group of conditions caused by Aspergillus, from allergic reactions to invasive infections in people with severely weakened immunity.

CIRS

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome: a proposed multi-system illness linked by proponents to water-damaged buildings; not an accepted diagnosis in mainstream medicine.

Clearance testing

Assessment after remediation to confirm the area has been cleaned to the standard in the protocol.

Dew point

The temperature at which air becomes saturated and water condenses on surfaces.

ERMI

Environmental Relative Moldiness Index: an EPA-developed DNA-based dust test, intended for research comparisons.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

An immune-mediated lung inflammation triggered by repeated inhalation of certain organic dusts, including some mold spores.

Hygrometer

A device that measures relative humidity.

Hypha / mycelium

The thread-like filaments (hyphae) and the mat they form (mycelium) that make up the body of a fungus.

Mold

A growth form of fungi: multicellular filaments that colonize damp organic material and reproduce by spores.

Mycorrhiza

A symbiotic partnership between fungi and plant roots.

Mycotoxin

A toxic compound produced by some molds under some conditions.

Relative humidity (RH)

The amount of moisture in air as a percentage of the maximum it can hold at that temperature.

Remediation

Removing or cleaning mold-contaminated materials and fixing the moisture source.

Spore

A small, hardy reproductive cell fungi release into the air.

Stachybotrys

A dark greenish-black mold ("black mold") that grows on very wet cellulose materials such as drywall paper.

VOC (MVOC)

Volatile organic compounds; MVOCs are those produced by microbes and responsible for a "musty" smell.