Bacteria

Disaster Advice Glossary

Disaster recovery and restoration can be veiled in mystery to the many who have not undertaken specific training. This glossary explains technical terms to assist both report writing and the understanding of those technical terms so often misunderstood.

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Definitions

Abatement:	a) The completeremoval of a contaminate in providing abatement services. b) Education Note: Pertaining to water and sewage damage, the ability of specially trained water damage contractors to assess, control, remove and completely eliminate, any and all water and effluent damage and environmental concerns (bacteria and fungi) in buildings. Contractor Note: Unlike the words mitigation and remediation, which means to control, to lessen, to a reasonable and acceptable level, abatement interpretation is the complete removal of contaminate. See Bioremediation, Mitigation, Remediation.
Abrasive Cleaner:	A substance such as a powdered cleaner having a scouring effect, which is used to remove surface contaminates and loose stains. Abrasive cleaners must be tested to insure that they will not harm, discolour or damage a material surface. Mitigation Note: Abrasive cleaners are very important in the structural breakdown of Gram-negative bacteria cell structure in sewage blackwater contamination of non-porous building materials.
Actinomycetes:	A group of soilborne bacteria that are mould-like in appearance. These organisms are sometimes found in flood-contaminated buildings. (The characteristic musty smell of wet/damp soil comes from compounds released by this group of bacteria). Education Note: a) Soilborne bacteria and mould in flooded buildings usually consist of dirt, mud and/or silt. And when removed, most of the bacteria and mould-like smells on top of hard surfaces will go away with detergent washing, rinsing, disinfecting and fast drying. b) The presence of soilborne bacteria and mould-like odours will not go away in porous building materials that have come in contact with the flood water. These materials must be removed and disposed . The remaining building materials must be detergent washed, rinsed and thoroughly dried, then inspected for additional damage. c) In particular, actinomycete bacteria produce similar smells to some fungi, and they appear under the microscope structurally similar to certain fungi. See Saprophytic Fungi
Acute Exposure:	In toxicology, the contaminate doses received over a period of 24 hours or less. Some acute exposures can result in temporary and permanent health effects while other acute exposures can result in death. Education Note: A single exposure to a toxic substance from a water damage situation, may be as a result of an exposure to airborne sewage bacterial toxins. To a water damage remediation worker, an acute exposure may include some of the chemicals that are loose in a building while being activated in solution, or some of the cleaning and disinfectant chemical they come in contact with as part of their work.
Aerobic:	The ability of most fungi and bacterial organisms to live in an oxygenated environment. See Aerobic Bacteria, Anaerobic.
Aerobic Bacteria:	Single-cell organisms, including some of those oxygen-living bacteria in sewage and dirt that are responsible for some diseases and decomposition of organic materials. See Anaerobic Bacteria.
Air Scrubber:	Depending on the application a machine that has an air intake and one or more - prefilters, HEPA filters, carbon filters, plenum motor and exhaust that is contained in a metal housing. Mitigation Note: Airscrubbers scrub and remove contaminated air, allowing cleaner air to remain in a building. For example, asbestos and lead abatement contractors must use HEPA filtered air scrubbers machines during abatement. When fungi and bacteria contaminated building materials are disturbed or removed, air scrubbers must be installed for the protection of employees and for the reduction of cross-contamination in non-contaminated areas. See HEPA Air Scrubber.
Airborne Contaminates:	Vapour, gas and solid contaminates, such as fumes and emissions, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons, dusts, pollens and other bioaerosols, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeasts.
Alveolar Macrophage:	a) A scavenger cell that thrives naturally and can engulf (phagocytize) inhaled microbes and particles deposited in the alveolar region of the lungs. These are migratory cells which constitute a major part of the natural lung microflora and resistance of the body to diseases related to bacteria, fungi and viruses. Health Note: Reduction of the alveolar macrophage population can result in infection and scarring by certain particulate matter air contaminates. Respiratory Protection Note: Proper respiratory protection by mitigation employees is their only defense in protecting the alveolar macrophage cells and reducing lung damage (scarring).
Anaerobic Bacteria:	Those bacteria that survive in partial or complete absence of air. They include intestinal bacteria and many soil bacteria. See Aerobic. Aerobic Bacteria.
Anderson Viable Air Impactor:	A commercially made machine that is manufactured to a scientific standard, it impacts viable airborne fungi, bacteria and yeast spores onto an agar plate and media.
Antibiotic:	a) A chemical substance, excreted by microrganisms or synthetically produced that has the capacity to inhibit or kill bacterial infections when applied in dilute solutions. b) An immune system response from a chemical or biological substance including fungi and bacteria that react and are capable of producing allergic reactions in human. see Allergic Reaction, Animal Dander, Endotoxin, Mycotoxin, Toxin.
Antigen:	Any substance, chemical, particle or toxin that causes the formation of an antibody. b) An immune system response from a chemical or biological substance including fungi and bacteria that react and are capable of producing allergic reaction in humans. See Allergic Reaction, Animal Dander, Endotoxin, Myotoxin, Toxin.
Aseptic:	Mitigation Note: In water and sewage damaged buildings, aseptic is the treatment means, after clean up, where the building is made free of harmful disease causing organisms, including fungi, bacteria and viruses. To have an aseptic condition, it first requires methods of treatment (labour, equipment and chemicals) to eliminate all potentially toxic and infectious microorganisms.
Aseptic Conscience Image:	A heightened awareness by mitigation workers that is developed through training, maintaining appropriate health and safety at the cleanup job at all times while enforcing appropriate sanitary procedures. Aseptic conscience image includes addressing contaminated areas and non-contaminated areas, and providing appropriate steps to keep them separate. ? Mitigation Note: Surprisingly and unknowing to most black water sewage mitigation workers for example, the field of contamination amplifies and becomes larger as the cleanup progresses. This comes from dragging in and removing equipment, walking on to non-contaminated surfaces, moving contents sitting in sewage to clean or less contaminates areas, The removal of sewage saturated carpet and pad, the removal of sewage effected drywall and insulation, to the installation of airmovers before all contamination of infected building materials have either been removed or have been made aseptic, resulting in aerosolizing sewage bacteria throughout the building's environment.
Bacteria:	Single cell microorganisms that are arround and on us for all our life. Cell size ranges from 0.4 to 10 microns. a) Most bacteria are found in soil and some are able to live comfortably in controlled amounts in house dust and dirt, and they are commonly found as part the general microflora of a building. Health and Safety Note: b) Some bacteria are harmful to humans and can result in infection and disease. c) Water damages in buildings can bring in unwanted bacteria as well as accellerate the growth of already existing microorganisms. Health Note: Sewage Contamination Category-3 black water from sewage backflows into buildings, bring in large amounts of sewage bacteria and coliforms. If the coliform bacteria are not removed by trained professionals, the building can become a biological sink,resulting in sickness and disease to the occupants. See Coliforms, Sewage Contamination Category-3.
Bacterial Plate Count:	Following incubation, a nutrient media on a petri dish where bacterial organisms are grown and counted by trained laboratory technicians and microbiologists.
Bacteriostatic:	A chemical or substance that inhibits bacteria growth, but it not necessary is lethal to humans. Mitigation Note: If the bacteriostatic material is applied on a large field of organic matter, such as a sewage contamination in a building, the bacteriostatic chemical dissipates and becomes inactive in the presence of heavy bacteria growth. Bacteriostatic chemicals should only be applied on a relatively clean area for the bacteriostat to be effective.
Bioaccumulation:	) The increase concentration of organisms and waste in buildings and materials. 2) Elements that reside in building environments contaminated with normally low concentrations of various organic compounds. Health Note: 3) The increased accumulation of viruses, bacteria, fungi and yeasts, from improper cleaning and sanitizing.
Bioaerosol:	a) Bioaerosols are airborne particles of biological origin including bacteria, and viruses, fungi and yeasts, pollens and organic matter. Bioaerosols also include the cell structures and spore parts of non-viable components (such as toxins). b) An aerosol containing living organisms or particles derived from living organisms such as pollen, animal dander, insect emanations, microbial endotoxins, and human skin scales. c) An airborne organic contaminant that is either generated by or is itself a living organism such as fungi, bacteria, viruses and protozoa. Education Note: Moisture-vapor and airborne contaminates from a flooded building that are forced in air from a surface, through dynamic air movement contain bioaerosols. See Aerosol, Air Movement.
Biofuel:	Water, moisture vapour and carbon base substances such as wood, that become the energy of microorganisms allowing for the reproduction of spores. Biofuel is also the bacteria generated from sewage, as a result of mainline sewer backflows into buildings.
Bio-Gas:	The ability of anaerobic organisms (bacteria) to produce methane gas during their decay and decomposition.
Biohazard:	a) In risk assessment, property loss management and handling, a biohazard can be found in a water damage building. For example, in a building where effluents and bacteria are present because of a sewage backflow or the sewage may have come from an upper floors, as in the case with high-rise buildings. b) A biohazard can be described in insurance terms as mold contamination, where fungi is allowed to grow and the condition eventually effects the health of the occupants. A biohazard associated with the sewage related bacteria, and the fungi from wet building materials, can result in higher occupational exposures to worker's who become involved with the cleanup of biohazardous materials. ? Education Note: Improperly handled, both sewage bacteria and wet building material fungi are known to cause serious debilitating health effects in workers. And if the contamination is improperly handled, most likely the contamination is still present in the building, causing a higher risk of exposure to the occupants, and insured, potentially resulting in a law suit. Adjuster Note: Adjusters are becoming educated to this fact, that contractors are leaving biohazardous substances behind, while insurers are more and more asking contractors for their contractor's license and liability coverage, and certifications, that they have been properly trained in all aspects of their trade, before referring an emergency cleanup contractor, under a preferred vendor program.
Biological Catalyst:	A substance or material that increases the rate of chemical and biological reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical or biological change. Education Note: In flooded buildings, bacteria, yeasts and fungi can be described as having biochemical reactions (biological markers) having homogeneous catalyst reactions, if the building's effected environment is left alone after a biological occurrence. Detergents and disinfectants (oxides) acting as neutralizing reactions, can be stated as having heterogeneous catalyst reactions. With heterogeneous reactions, the catalyst of detergents and some disinfectants provide the pathway by which the catalyst reaction can proceed, where the biological activation of the pollutant energy becomes lower. Proper use of detergents and disinfectants increase the rate at which the biological reaction of harmful bacteria, yeasts and fungi come to equilibrium, although it does not alter the position of the equilibrium of the building's resident microflora, except may be for a short period of time after cleaning and disinfection. In certain circumstances, very small quantities of a detergent cleaning and disinfectant agent can speed up biochemical reactions to a pollutant. Most catalysts are also highly specific in the type of reaction they catalyze, particularly chemical disinfectants such as aldehydes, iodophors, oxidizers, phenols, and enzymes in biochemical reactions. Generally, the term is used for a substance that increases reaction of the biological marker rate producing ( a positive catalyst). Some cleaning and disinfectant reactions can be slowed down by (negative catalyst) acting as a sanitizer or inhibitor of growth.
Biological Contaminates:	Any one of a number of viruses, bacteria, fungi, yeasts, protozoa and helminths, that are capable of producing allergic reactions, illness and disease in persons who are exposed or susceptible. Also referred to as biological pollutants or biopollutants. See Biohazard.
Biological Convergence:	The tendency in organisms not closely related to each other to develop similar characteristics when living under the same condition. Mitigation Note: Biological convergence may be apparent in sewage damaged buildings, where porous building materials experience a heavy bacteria presence along with fungi growth.
Biological Toxins:	Harmful toxins that are produced from biological particles and wet building materials that support biological growth and decay (fungi mycotoxins). Other biological toxins can occur from such incidences involving sewage backflows (bacteria endotoxins) into buildings. See Endotoxins, Mycotoxins.
Bioremediation:	The careful and safe removal of harmful microbiological agents. Education and Mitigation Note: a) In sewage damage backflows effecting buildings, bioremediation is the careful and safe removal of all sewage and bacteria under controlled conditions which are associated with sewage effluents. This includes all coliform bacteria, and porous building materials and contents saturated with sewage. If the building materials and contents cannot be cleaned and disinfected to an acceptable level of cleanliness, then the building materials and contents require replacement with new materials. b) In fungi contamination, bioremediation is the careful and safe removal of all contaminated building materials and contents under controlled conditions which are associated with the fungi contamination. c) In ventilation system cleaning and sanitizing, bioremediation is the careful and safe removal of all dusts and debris in the HVAC supply air ducts followed by sanitizing, removal of all contaminated insulation, cleaning and sanitizing of the previously insulated surfaces, cleaning and sanitizing of coils, condensers, drain pans, plenum, mixing boxes and all return air ducts. d) In areas containing water or sewage saturated ground of a soil floor basement or crawl space substructure, bioremediation is the containment and control of all standing water or sewage, providing negative air out of the substructure where contaminated air does not effect the building's interior air space, and appropriate remediation measures in removing potentially harmful pathogens from the air and controlling pathogens in soil. Bioremediation of contaminated ground under a substructure is a complicated issue where each problem must be based on the conditions presented in each case.
Black Light Florescence:	Special wide-spectrum high intensity black lights that are used to pick up patterns of urea and bacteria which fluoresce in the presence of high intensity black lights. The application of black light florescence ideal conditions are without the presence of sun light and is best completed early morning or at night, when outside light sources affecting indoors, cannot be eliminated.
Building Sickness from Flooding:	Like humans, buildings too are succeptable to colds, flu and virus-like conditions. When flooding occurs in buildings, wood and other materials become swollen and saturated. Mitigation Note: a) In fresh water flooding, if building materials and contents are not properly dried out, cleaned and put back to their prior healthy state, unwanted mold and mildew will increase and use wet, damp, moist building materials as their host material. Health Note: b) In gray water and sewage flooding, bacterial elements are able to harbor in sewage saturated building materials. If the building is not professionally decontaminated back to its prior healthy state, bacterial toxins may eventually cause sickness to building occupants, as well as produce other health effects. See Aflatoxins, BRI, Coliforms, Endotoxins, Exotoxins, Gram-Negative Bacteria, Mycotoxins, Sanitization, SBS, Sewage Mitigation.
Cesspool of Sewage:	Referring to sewage contamination: Education Note: a) Liquid and decomposing waste found under substructures that has been accumulating there for weeks and months. The attached ground has become an underground sink and cistern disposal area, it is undesirable and extremely unhealthy. Health Note: b) Improperly cleaned up interiors of buildings having coliform bacteria are cesspools of sewage residing in occupant exposures.
Clean:	The term clean means, free from dirt, grime, bacteria, pollutants and other contaminates, which if not removed, may be harmful to humans and animals.
Clean-up of Sewage:	means, the complete removal of waste water, solids and associated bacteria from buildings and contents: Mitigation Note: a) Cleanup of sewage includes the complete removal of standing sewage from all non-porous and salvageable porous building materials. Health and Safety Note: b) Clean-up of sewage should include the removal of sewage saturated building materials such as drywall and insulation, underlayment, carpet and pad. c) Cleanup of sewage in children's bedrooms should include the removal and disposal of effected clothes and toys, and such items that are highly suspect or are questionable as to becoming cleaned and sanitized. d) Clean-up of sewage in kitchens, pantries and lower kitchen cabinets includes, the removal and disposal of all perishable and open food. The cleaning and sanitizing of all sealed food related items. The cleaning and sanitizing of all shelves and cabinets after the kitchen, pantry and lower cabinets have been cleaned and sanitized on all sides. e) ? Clean-up of sewage under vanities, cabinets and counters includes, the detaching of built-on and built-in materials for the purpose of the cleanup of sewage on floors, subfloors and wall cavities. Clean-up of sewage under vanities, cabinets and counters also includes, the cleaning and sanitizing of vanities, cabinets and counters before they are reinstalled.
Clearance Swab Sampling:	Clearance swab sampling is used for identification of any remaining coliform and enteropathogen-type bacteria remaining on a surface. Education Note: Clearance surface sampling is only used after the successful cleanup of contaminated surfaces, usually by a process of detergent cleaning and scrubbing, followed by disinfectant sanitizing, fresh water rinsing and drying. (If the material surfaces are porous, quite often the cleaning and sanitizing process requires a second application in the removal of Gram-negative cell structures). Clearance sampling of previously contaminate surfaces is more exact, and sampling strategy and methods are quantitative. To provide for a quantitative bacteria clearance analysis of a previously contaminate surfaces, a precise amount of swabs and sampling must be administered. To the lay person, the number of sampling will increase several fold if not more, depending on the surface type, porosity, occupancy and environmental factors. See Qualitative Swab Sample Screening, Surface Screening for Coliform Bacteria
Coliform Bacteria:	Gram-negative bacteria that are short rod-shape that may form many chains. Included in harmful coliform bacteria is the well advertised deadly fecal bacteria called (E. coli). Health and Mitigation Note: In water damage remediation, coliform bacteria are found in sewage and flood water coming into buildings. All coliform bacteria must be removed from a contaminated building. See Gram-Negative Bacteria, Sewage Mitigation.
Colony Count:	A quantification counting of bacteria, yeasts and fungi on a nutrient medium.
Commensal Bacteria:	A symbiotic relationship between two or more bacteria organisms, in which one organism lives in or on the other, but not as a parasite, thus leaving the other unaffected.
Cross-Contamination:	The carrying of a microorganism, chemical or toxin from a contaminated area to a non-effected clean area. Health and Safety Note: Typically, cross-contamination is thought of as contaminates carried on objects including clothes and hands, but cross-contamination also occurs in building air pathways and ventilation air streams, where bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and other aero-allergens easily travel through from an airborne route. In hospitals, cross-contamination is referred to as nosocomial infections. See Fomites.
Culturable:	Meaning living. Culturable fungi and bacteria are those organisms which can be removed from a surface or environment and sent to a laboratory for culturing and identification. See Non-Culturable, Non-Viable, Viable.
Degenerative Disease:	A disorder characterized by the gradual loss of some human function. For example chronic exposure to mould and bacterial toxins are known to contribute and cause gradual immune suppression.
Denitrifying Bacteria:	Anaerobic sewage bacteria in soil under buildings that are capable of anaerobic respiration, while using the nitrate ion as a substitute for molecular oxygen during their metabolism. See Soil-Gas.
Detergent:	A water soluble compound capable of suspending dirt and other organics. Detergents can emulsify oils and act as a wetting agent. Caution: detergents with phosphates have been banned in many parts of the nation, because they are one source of pollution which cause environmental hazards to lakes and streams. Detergents residues should not be discharged into storm drains. Education Note: Detergents act-like sanitizer, since they suspend oils, grease and organisms. Detergents need to be rinsed out and off of contaminated surfaces to work properly. Detergents work best if they are allowed to have a surface contact dwell time, are agitated into a material, and are used in warm water. Detergents work better than disinfectants while in the presence of dirt and oil, and much bacteria, such as sewage. See Eutrophication.
Dormant:	A state in which bacteria, yeasts and fungi can suspend and live without much moisture. They become active again when available moisture or high humidity is present. Many organisms may die, but those that live, will thrive and develop their dormant inactive buds or cells once again.
Dust:	a) Suspended solid particles in air which settle-out in buildings through doors, windows and ventilation systems. b) An air suspension (aerosol) of particles of any solid material, usually having a particle size less than 100 micrometers(um). Education Note: a) Natural dust includes organic and inorganic particles such as soil erosion by wind which entrains into a building, and decaying organic matter and other airborne debris that feed bacteria, fungi and yeast. b) Human dust created by the sloughing of dead skin cells that feed dust mites. See Respirable Dusts
E. coli:	The genus name Escherichia a type of bacteria whose normal habitat is the colon of humans and other animals. E. coli is the cause for life threatening diseases when persons eat contaminated food products and in some situations direct hand to mouth contact. See Enteric Organisms.
Endotoxins:	Bacteria-type microorganism cell walls that breakdown at the time of their death, and where the organism releases bacteria toxins in the air as they die. Not unlike exotoxins, endotoxins are from various Gram negative organisms such as sewage, having similar pathogenic effects. See Enterotoxins.
Enteric Organisms:	Microorganisms whose normal habitat is the gastrointestinal tract of humans and other animals. The term enteric organisms is used to describe harmful Gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli from feces. See E. coli, Enteropathogenic Organisms.
Enteropathogenic Organisms:	Any number of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria capable of causing disease. Disease disorders range from mild stomach upsets to severe diarrhea and dysentery. Sickness and illness can be acute or chronic.
Enterotoxins:	Enteropathogenic Gram negative bacteria which secrete harmful pathogenic toxins in the intestines. Staphylococcal bacteria results in food poisoning, and based on symptoms, food poisoning is often the main suspect. See Endotoxins, Neurotoxins.
Environmentally Adaptive Bacteria:	Any number of bacteria that are common outdoors usually in found in soil and fecal matter. Education Note: Soil bacteria include Bacillus species, that is tracked indoors from animals and humans and become adaptive to their indoor environment. Gram-positive cocci such as Staphylococcus, Micrococcus and Streptococcus, are generally brought into buildings from shed human skin and mucous membranes, they should typically represent about 85/90% of the bacteria isolates indoors. Health Note: Gram-negative cocci such as Pseudomonas, Escherichia, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Citrobacter, Aeromonas and other species, are pathogens, and they are prevalent in sewage and gray water.
Environmentally Adaptive Fungi:	Any number of fungi that are common to outdoors and are not common growth elements in healthy buildings. Air samples will indicate many of the fungi that are common outdoors, are brought into a building from building occupants, air currents and ventilation. Education Note: Environmentally adaptive fungi are those outdoor fungi, which under the right growth conditions (temperature and humidity), take hold and grow indoors on nutrient rich building materials. Cladosporium and Alternaria are fungi which grow mainly on above ground on dead organic material. They are adaptable indoors when the indoor nutrient requirements are ideal. Other environmentally adaptive fungi are Aspergillus and Penicillium, which are prevalent in the tracked in soil and airborne dusts. Both Aspergillus and Penicillium contain species that will grow well on indoor building materials and contents, when ideal temperatures and humidity exist. See Environmentally Adaptive Bacteria.
Evidence Collection:	Contractors and other persons who hold a state contractors license, or persons who are trained as specialists and who gather evidence information, pictures and other forms of documentation on behalf of their client. Contractor Note: a) Evidence collection may include documenting the cause of damage, such as a broken pipe or fixture, by first taking pictures of the pipe or fixture and the surrounding flood damage. Then completing a written report as to the conditions which the pipe or fixture were found. Evidence collection may include forensic analysis of the causation, which may require the removal of both sections (or parts) of the broken pipe or fixture, labeling and numbering each part as they were found, then photographing the labeling (have a ruler in the picture showing dimensions). Create a chain of custody from the time you gained control and removed the pipe section or fixture, to the location where you archived the broken parts, then the final transfer and release of the parts to your client. b) Recently, some contractors have had to demonstrate that the water emergency they are cleaning up, requiring disinfection, in other words, it actually contained sewage microflora and pathogens. Evidence collection in this case includes swab collection of the sewage contaminates from a specific wall or floor area and follow-up independent microbiological laboratory analysis. c) Evidence collection may include clearance sampling and/or monitoring, stating that the building is dehumidified and is dry, back to its pre-loss condition, and/or that the clean-up of the sewage and bacteria after sanitizing, have been completed successfully, and there are no longer sewage bacteria concerns on exposed building surfaces and on the previously effected contents. See Chain of Custody, Clearance Sampling, Forensic Investigation, Sewage Sampling, Swab Sampling.
Exotoxin:	A protein molecule produced and released by bacteria that causes certain diseases in humans when allowed to enter the skin through rashes, skin breaks or when inhaled. For example, botulism and tetanus. Health Note: Protein molecules are extremely toxic in cuts and abrasions in micro-gram quantities. Improper handling of sewage bacteria during sewage remediation may result in exotoxin exposure. See Endotoxins, Neurotoxins.
Fecal Coliforms:	A type of bacteria whose natural habitat is the colon of humans and other warm blooded animals. Specifically, they are Gram-negative rod shape bacteria that can survive with or without oxygen. Education and Health Note: The presence of coliforms in food, beverages and water mean that the material is contaminated with solid human or animal waste, that can result in disease. All coliform bacteria must be removed from a building after sewage contamination as part of the successful cleanup of the sewage exposure.
Fomites:	Any object that functions to transfer infection contaminated by pathogens from a diseased source. Health Note: For example, sewage bacteria which can easily pass pathogens to unsuspecting objects such as phones, kitchenware, books, bed linen, children's toys and other items when they are handled in a contaminated environment. Fomites are transferred to humans through hand and physical contact. See Cross-Contamination.
Free-Living Organisms:	The ability of bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses and parasites to live freely in a host environment, such as a sewage contaminated building.
Gas-Phase Ozone Generators:	Manufactured ozone machines which are made for deodorization and neutralization of carbon-base odors. a) Gas-phase ozone generators are used successfully in fire deodorization in building materials and contents. b) Some manufacturers are reportedly marketing their machines as equipment which is able to remove allergies and other micro-pollutants from indoor air. Education Note: Currently, the scientific community is in dispute with equipment manufacturers on their IAQ claims. There are several law suits against some manufacturers. Contractor Note: c) It is highly recommended to water damage remediation contractors, they should not use and market their ozone machines for the elimination of bacteria and fungi in water damage claims. See Thermal-Foggers, Wet-Foggers.
Germ:	A microorganism; especially any one of the bacteria that can cause disease or illness. A microbe, usually thought of as a pathogenic organism.
Gram:	) A metric unit of weight as noted by the symbol (G or g). One ounce of a substance equals 28.4 grams or 28.4-G. b) A doctor named Christian Gram, was the first scientist, using a microscope and staining methods, was able to separate positive and negative bacteria. The staining method is named after Dr. Gram. Bacteria are referred to as being either Gram positive or Gram negative.
Gram-negative Bacteria:	Bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain in their cells, when stained by the procedure described by Doctor Gram, and the bacteria appear pink or red when viewed under the light microscope. Education Note: Most Gram-negative bacteria are bacteria that are enteric and are associated with the excrement from humans and animals. Gram-negative bacteria include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Proteus, Streptococcus, Shigella, Salmonella, Clostridia, Serratia, and Pseudomonas species, to name a few bacterial pathogens. Health Note: Most Gram-negative bacteria possess complex lipopolysaccharides in their cell walls. These substances can produce endotoxins, which are harmful to humans when ingested or inhaled. All disease causing pathogens thriving in a living or working environment are unacceptable and are considered unhealthy, especially when the building was effected by a sewage contamination. Mitigation Note: The complex cell wall of a Gram-negative bacteria consist of a double cell wall which easily does not break down without some help through mechanical scrubbing and detergents with hot water. In other words, the cleanup of Gram-negative bacteria requires aggressive cleaning and sanitizing methods to be successful. See Cleanup, Coliform Bacteria, Endotoxins, Sewage Mitigation.
Gram-positive Bacteria:	Bacteria that retain the crystal violet stain in their cells when stained by the procedure described by Doctor Gram, and they appear blue or purple when viewed under the light microscope.
Grey Water:	a) Water and saturated materials which hold bacteria greater than 5,000 parts per million. Health Note: b) Water which has one or more coliforms in potable drinking water, it is considered to be contaminated and potentially harmful if drank.
HEPA Air Scrubber (High Efficiency Particulate Air Scrubber):	Depending on the application, it is a machine that has an air intake and one or more of- prefilters, HEPA filters, [Carbon Filters], plenum motor and exhaust that is contained in a metal housing. Mitigation Note: HEPA air scrubbers-scrub and remove contaminated air, allowing cleaner air to remain in a building. For example, asbestos and lead abatement contractors must use HEPA filtered air scrubbers machines during abatement. When fungi and bacteria contaminated building materials are removed from buildings, air scrubbers must be installed for the protection of employees and for the reduction of cross-contamination in non-contaminated areas. See Air Scrubbers, HEPA Filters, HEPA Sanders, HEPA Vacuums.
Hepatitis-A Virus Vaccination:	The vaccination medical professionals give for prevention of sewage related bacterial disease, including hepatitis-A. Health and Safety Note: Emergency response technicians who come in contact with gray water and sewage effluents as part of their job, should have the Hepatitis-A vaccination, while persons coming in contact with blood and blood products, are encouraged to acquire the Hepatitis-B vaccination. Employers are mandated to make available the vaccinations at no cost to workers having known or potential occupational exposure. See Tetanus.
Hidden Damage:	Any damage which is or may be under a floor, above a ceiling, or inside a wall cavity. Health Note: Hidden damage includes not identifying fungi or bacteria which is not apparent, or where the microscopic damage cannot be seen with the human eye.
Host:	A material, person or organism for which bacteria, viruses and fungi can use to live, thrive and support their nutrients by.
Hydrogen Sulfide:	A rotten-egg fowl-smelling gas (H2S) produced during the anaerobic decomposition of organic material by bacteria and by the metabolism of sulfur-producing bacteria. The gasses are highly toxic to humans, and when the smell is present appropriate breathing devices must be worn. Health and Safety Note: Hydrogen sulfide is often found in the attached ground of substructural soil when it has been sewage contaminated with stagnant sewage sludge for some time. Old timers in the mining industry called this condition Stink Damp.
Impetigo:	A highly contagious skin infection most often found on small children. Impetigo infection is caused by bacteria entering the skin through a sore, cut, rash, wound or an area affected by eczema. Health and Safety Note: Sewage remediation technicians must recognize, doctors have identified impetigo source transmission in several instances, as associated with sewage contaminated carpet that was not properly cleaned and sanitized. See Fomites, Infection
Improper Sewage Clean-up:	From sewage backflows into and under buildings, after the clean-up and removal of sewage water and effluents, improper sewage clean-up is the continued presence of any coliform bacteria.
Infection:	Entrance into the body by any means which viruses, bacteria, fungi and yeasts are allowed to enter the body as a host, causing damage to skin cell, organs, immune system, and the body as a whole.
Infectious:	Virus, bacteria, fungus, or protozoa than cause a person or building material to produce or result in a disease.
Jaundice:	A medical condition brought about from contact with a certain bacteria and resulting exposure. Exposures of jaundice to employees can cause liver damage and loss of life. See Tetanus.
Kawasaki Disease:	Kawasaki Disease is a disease of unknown origin that primarily affects children under the age of five (5). It is suggested, the main contributor of the disease, appears to be associated with carpet, within 30 days after carpet cleaning, where small children have skin and respiratory contact with the carpet and agents in the carpet. A Denver study suggests that carpet cleaning and associated cleaning chemicals may in part, be responsible for the illness, but other studies indicate otherwise. Yet, something in the carpet or associated with the carpet cleaning is affecting the children, says The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Health and Safety Note: All carpets that are flooded in a home, day care or preschool, where small children play on, should be plant washed, double rinsed and thoroughly dried, preferably in sun and fresh outdoor air, before reinstallation, or the carpet should be considered for removal and replacement, if the carpet cannot be cleaned and sanitized on all sides thoroughly. Even a fresh water flood in this situation, with babies and small children normally wetting carpet, there may be sufficient bacterial growth in carpet and pad to become a health concern.
Legionella Pneumonphila:	The bacterium that causes legionnaire's disease, resulting in a form of debilitating pneumonia. Legionella pneumonphila infection occurs by inhaling vaporized contaminated water droplets in air, usually from poorly maintained air-conditioning systems. The Legionella bacteria has been found in shower heads and in Jacuzzi, which have resulted in sickness and death.
Malodor:	An offensive odour from decay and decomposition of organic matter and waste. Some malodors can automatically cause automatic vomiting reactions, and inhalation of malodorous bacteria and viruses, may result in diarrhea and illness. See Odour.
Mesophilic:	An organism that grows optimally within the temperature range of 77oF to 104oF (25oC to 40oC). Organisms that commonly thrive and live in moderate temperatures and humidity for their development. Mesophilic organisms include bacteria, fungi and yeasts which are commonly associated with an indoor environment, and are considered resident to the microflora of the building. See Microflora, Resident Organisms.
Microbe:	See Bacteria, Fungi.
Microbial Contamination:	In water damages, microbial contamination is one of several factors, including the presence of certain bacteria, virus and protozoa, or fungi, mould, and yeasts, or their by-products and toxins, which effect the health of the building and its occupants.
Microbial Load:	The total number of bacteria, fungi and yeasts in a given area or space.
Microflora:	As it relates to the indoor environments of buildings, the normal living resident bacteria, fungi and yeasts commonly found in a healthy building's surfaces and atmosphere. See Mesophilic, Resident Organisms.
Microscope:	The optical instrument used by trained professionals and microbiologists to determine the physical and biological properties associated with a damage. Microscopes are used to identify asbestos, bacteria, yeasts and fungi to name a few.
Mite:	Small minute arachnids, such as dust mites and skin mites. Under a microscope mites look like undefined or well marked small spiders. Larger species of mites which are seen with the eye may be chiggers or ticks. Education Note: Mites in water damaged buildings and in carpets increase in number because of the increased moisture and food sources such as fungi, yeasts and bacteria.
Neurotoxins:	Toxins from some bacteria and fungi that can be neurologically damaging to humans, resulting in nerve tissue damage. Neurotoxins may cause other long-term health damage. See Aflatoxins, Mycotoxins, Endotoxins, Toxins.
Non-Permit Required Confine Space:	A work space or entry which meets the confined space requirements, and a space that does not have the potential to contain any hazard capable of causing death or serious physical harm. As far as atmospheric hazards are concerned, a space that does not have atmospheric influences, including the lack of breathable oxygen. Health and Mitigation Note: Rooms, buildings and substructures containing sewage, harbor potential surface and airborne bacteria and viruses; fungi contamination, harbors surface and airborne mycotoxins; and areas containing chemicals harbouring flammable, explosives and toxics, are all confined work spaces, bordering on permit required confined space. See Confined Space, Permit Required Confined Space.
Non-Persistant Pollutant:	ground, when added in excessive amounts to counteract the bacteria presence. The chemical or substance is allowed to degrade naturally through decay and bioaugmentation in situ, and they do not pose a health concern to the ground, ground water or human populations. Some chemical substances considered may include detergents and commercial peroxides.
Non-Resident Organisms:	Foreign organisms such as sewage bacteria coliforms and mold growth in buildings. Non-resident organisms, especially pathogenic coliform bacteria, do not belong in a clean healthy building. See Biotic Factor, Resident Organisms.
Ozonation:	In air, it is the use of ozone as a gas, (O3) as a disinfectant or oxidizer. Ozonation has been very successful in reducing carbon-base fire odors in buildings, but current science suggests gas-phase ozone generators are not capable of producing sufficient amounts of ozone to kill fungi infestation and sewage bacteria in buildings. If that amount of ozone gas is available, the indoor environment would be toxic and harmful.
Particulate Matter:	a) A solid material that is a byproduct of construction waste which easily becomes airborne and can be inhaled. b) An airborne dust, spore, pollen or bioaerosol which can result in asthma and allergy-like conditions when inhaled. c) A solid material that settled out of air which can easily become airborne through disturbance or increased air movement. d) Particulate matter in water, especially contaminated water, while it is in a dissolved state. e) When surface water is removed, particulate matter constitutes the insoluble sand, clay, fines and other solid matter after an outdoor flood indoors or a blackwater sewage contamination from main-line sewer backflows. The former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop warns that every day, the average persons respiratory system receives more than two table spoons of particulate matter (dust, pollen, tar, rubber, acids, metals, smoke, clutch and brake materials, bacteria, mould, and many other hazardous and allergic matter).
Pathogens:	Pathogens Disease causing microorganisms. Microorganisms including but not limited to viruses, bacteria and fungi, which have the capacity to cause disease under certain conditions. See Allergens.
Phase 5, IAQ Post-Monitoring and Recurrence Prevention:	Depending on the issues, such as with flooded buildings, it is prudent to recognize that some building concerns may reoccur months later, especially when bacteria and fungi were present during the initial cleanup. Change in seasons, temperature, humidity and time, may alter the buildings atmosphere and ecosystem. Post-sampling 6 months and a year later adds to closure of a previously flooded building.
Pink-Eye:	Also known as Red-Eye, which is an inflammation of the eye causing redness, discomfort and sometimes a discharge from the affected eye. Health Note: Pink-Eye and Red-Eye can be an occupational caused disease from contact with contaminated materials. Pink-eye and red-eye are more commonly referred to as Conjunctivitis. Most conjunctival infections are caused by bacteria, for example, staphylococci, that are spread hand-to-mouth, contact with a contaminated surface, or where sewage affected pollutants become airborne. Education Note: a) Water damage technicians must wear proper clothing, respiratory and eye protection during sewage cleanup. b) Besides sewage bacteria, conjunctivitis can also be caused from airborne dust, spores and allergens. c) Technicians must eliminate the use of air movers during the cleanup phase, especially during mold and sewage damage cleanup or when there is airborne debris created from increased air movement. See Conjunctivitis.
Pneumonia:	Inflammation of the lungs due to infection. Most cases of pneumonia involve inhalation of a virus or bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Education and Health Note: a) Both bacteria of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, are associated with dirty outdoor and indoor building environments. Buildings that have experienced a sewage contamination and aerosolization of bacteria spores, are susceptible to the Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus exposures. Staph and Strep bacteria can thrive on organic dust. b) Pneumonia is also associated with the bacteria Legionella pneumonphilia (Legionnaires disease). c) During the mitigation of sewage in a building and the cleaning of dirty ventilation systems, technicians must wear proper protective clothing and respiratory protection.
Pressure Washing remediation:	The equipment most preferred: Education Note: 1) In the removal of flood water, silt and muck in contaminated buildings experiencing catastrophic flooding. a) Pressure washing should only be used once the amount of contaminated building materials, such as drywall, insulation and carpet have been removed and disposed. b) Pressure washing is better when used with warm water and detergents. c) Pressure washing main use is the micro-fine removal of solid and saturated waste which has absorbed into and behind salvageable building material framing. Mitigation Note: 2) In the removal of sewage solids, effluents and bacteria trapped under and inside framing materials, low- pressure washing (warm water [140-F] and liquid detergent) having (60-120 psi) is preferred, followed by immediate water extraction, and turbo-fan drying.
Putrefaction:	The decomposing of organic waste which smells like bacteria decompose waste in the presence of insufficient oxygen. Putrefaction smells are noxious byproducts of waste and bacterial, producing disagreeable odors and toxins. See Endotoxins, Toxins
Qualitative Swab Sample Screening:	Qualitative swab sample screening requires a larger number of swabs and sampling than surface screening does. Qualitative sampling reduces the chance of offering and providing false negative erroneous results. More exact qualitative screening and investigation for coliform and enteropathogen-type bacteria, are necessary for pre-schools and schools, kitchens and food service, locker rooms and showers, food preparation and food processing, hospitals, medical and dental facilities, clinics and laboratories, or where immune-compromised persons reside. See Clearance Swab Sampling, Surface Screening for Coliform Bacteria.
Quantitative Limits:	The minimum amount of some chemicals, toxins, bacteria, fungi and allergens, that can be detected and measured with a suitable degree of reliability. Some quantitative limits are constrained by science, while other limits are constrained by budget.
Rickettsia:	Microscopic organisms which are carried and growing on the cells and body of microscopic animals, called arthropods. Arthropods are lice, fleas, ticks, and mites. ? Health Note: a) Rickettsia is a type of parasitic microorganism resembling small bacteria, but they are not able to multiply on their own except in a host. b) Effected arthropods under contaminated or ideal conditions, will pass diseases to humans, from cuts or borrowing into the skin. See Infestation
Sanitization:	Health and Safety Note: a) The process of completely cleaning all harmful pathogenic bacteria and harmful microscopic elements from the surface of building material, while leaving the building material with a safe level of resident growth. b) Sanitization is not an antiseptic and is not disinfection or sterilization. By cleaning porous building materials you may have reduced the bacteria, fungi and yeasts in the building, but technically, you have not disinfected the building of all organism presence. Sanitization is the best possible cleaning method, next to removing the contaminated building material. c) Sanitization includes applying a sanitizer or a disinfectant solution on a surface only after the surface has been cleaned and rinsed. See Mechanical Agitation, Surface Cleaning
Saprophyte:	A bacterial or fungal organism which derives its nutrients from dead organic material.
Sepsis:	A wound or cut which through contamination, such as sewage bacteria, a consequence causing infection. Health and Safety Note: Infection results in redness and pus, which, in part, are dead skin cells. Sepsis is caused by bacterial toxins that are multiplying in the blood system in large numbers. Septicemia is a condition commonly referred to as blood poisoning. See Septic Shock
Septic Shock:	Health and Safety Note: a) A bacterially infected wound such as streptococci or staphylococci, resulting in or indicating sepsis or septicemia, which septic shock may result due to a extreme exposures to airborne and blood toxins, because of the high multiplication of cell and tissue damage. Mitigation Note: b) Sewage remediation technicians must carefully evaluate themselves for cuts and wounds before, during and after cleanup. c) Septic shock can result in damage to cells, the kidneys, heart and lungs, and death. Septic shock may have been responsible for one sewage related death from inhalation in San Diego, as reported in the press.
Sewage:	In a sewer system, human waste and organic matter that is in the process of being sent to a treatment facility, tank or leaching field. Health and Safety Note: In water damage remediation, sewage in and under buildings is typically from main-line backflows. Main-line sewer backflows in buildings must be professionally mitigated, cleaned up and sanitized. Most often remediation includes the careful removal and disposal of all porous drywall, carpet and insulation, followed by cleaning and sanitizing of interior wall cavities. See Bacteria, IICRC, Leachate, Raw Sewage, Sewage Mitigation Health and Safety.
Sewage Remediation Category 1 Clean Water:	Consisting of clean water from a toilet tank overflow, or a fresh water supply line that breaks. Treat as a fresh water cleanup. Remember that bacteria most likely exists around the toilet area. All bathrooms must be sanitized after cleanup and thorough rinsing. Clean water contamination can go to a gray water Category 2 contamination, if allowed to stand.
Sewage Remediation Training Course:	A training course taught to technicians over a one or two day period. Teaching Note: Currently, IICRC has incorporated training in sewage in their regular water damage courses. EME and the author of this dictionary, teach a one and two day sewage remediation course specifically on gray water and black water sewage, and river flooding which brings with it disease causing bacteria
Sewage Saturated Drywall and Insulation:	Sewage Saturated Drywall and Insulation means, porous building materials which are least likely to be returned back to pre-loss condition. Surface cleaning and drying alone of highly porous materials such as drywall will not mitigate the bacteria and resulting fungi from inside the wall cavity.
Shigella:	This is the genus name of a bacterium associated with dysentery. Health Note: Shigella bacteria can be transmitted from sewage contaminated food, water, beverage and hand to mouth contact. See Coliforms, Gram-Negative Bacteria, Personal Hygiene, Sepsis.
Soil sampling:	The removal and containment of specific loose or compacted soil for laboratory analysis. Soil sampling analysis can determine the total or specific hydrocarbons, total bacteria and fungi, total coliforms, moisture content, aerobic and aerobic growth, or composition of the soil matrix. See Air Sampling, Adsorbent Sampling, Bulk Material Sampling, Surface Sampling, Swab Sampling, Tape Lift Sampling, Water Sampling, Wipe Sampling, Vacuum Sampling
Speciation:	The distinction between two or more species of organisms having the same genus. Some genus, such as Legionella and Escherichia bacteria, and Aspergillus fungi to name a few, once identified, must be speciated to determine what members of species are present, since different species may pose increased health exposure or health threat concerns.
Statement of Condition:	A written statement about a particular condition or event. Health and Safety and Contractor Note: A statement of condition may be: a) There are hazards on the job which require control and removal before our company can enter or take control of the job site; b) The condition was unsafe and we had to shore up the structure after the fire; c) Due to the presence of a hazardous chemical, monitoring was necessary as per OSHA standards; d) The sewage under the building was sufficient enough to call in a vacuum truck for its removal; e) The building is dehumidified and is dry, back to its pre-loss condition; f) The cleanup of the sewage and bacteria after sanitizing, have been completed successfully, and there are no longer sewage bacteria concerns on exposed building surfaces and on the previously effected contents.
Storm Water Runoff:	Rain water runoff which gathers in streets, storm drains, sewers and in fields. Education Note: a) Storm water runoff retains various contaminates which can microbiologically become harmful to buildings and occupants. Health Department Note: b) In an average storm water runoff and resulting flooding into buildings, health departments report, there can be approximately 20/30% of coliform bacteria present that are associated with flood waters and runoff. c) The health department reports, contact with flood water can increase illness and disease. See Coliform Bacteria.
Stripping:	In cleaning and restoration, stripping is the removal of old floor polishes and finishes, using s strong, and usually very alkaline detergent and scrubbing procedure. Education Note: Stripping is done to small segments of a floor at a time, with each segment being thoroughly rinsed before moving to the next segment. Stripping is a very aggressive floor maintenance procedure often required after a fire or water damage, especially when there is an exposure to soot or sewage, where caustic acids and harmful bacteria effect the floor and the environment.
Surface Screening for Coliform Bacteria:	Screening for coliform bacteria on surfaces first requires an investigation of the problem based on information supplied to our industrial hygienist or microbiologist by the customer, adjuster or contractor, then, a visual assessment and survey of the problem area(s) is completed. Only after the visual investigation, should bacteria screening be conducted. Swab sampling in this instance is a screening devise only. To be cost effective, sampling strategy is very limited in the number of swab samples collected. Representations as to what type of bacteria and activity are or are not present on a given surface, is through laboratory microscopic analysis. Since we cannot see bacteria with our eyes, the industrial hygienist or microbiologist must use their best judgement, knowledge and training, in considering their sampling strategy. See Qualitative Surface Screening.
Swab Sampling:	A sterile swab in a collection tube used to sample a surface. In the case of evaluation of fungi or bacteria, once exposed to the source (such as a 2" x 2" swab area), the swab is placed back in its collection transport tube and closed. Information about the swab is written on the transport tube as well as a log sheet. The swab is then transported to a laboratory for incubation and analysis in a petri dish. Swab sampling is mainly used for culturable samples of cells and spores. Laboratory results may take an average of 2-3 days for bacteria, to 7-10 days for fungi and other pathogen identification. See Air Sampling, Adsorbent Sampling, Bulk Material Sampling, Soil Sampling, Surface Sampling, Tape Lift Sampling, Water Sampling, Wipe Sampling, Vacuum Sampling.
Tetanus:	A disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. It is a serious central nervous system disorder, resulting in lock-jaw, and it is sometimes fatal. Tetanus as a spore lives mainly in soil and manure, it is found in the human intestine and elsewhere. Contractor and Technician Note: Tetanus is found in sewage and therefore, it can be found in sewage damaged buildings, on splinters of wood, nails and metal tack strips used for retaining wall to wall carpet. The splinters of wood, nails and metal tack strips are excellent materials for puncture wounds, introducing the tetanus bacteria.
Thermal-Foggers:	A portable gas engine machine dispersing solvents and water-base chemicals in air from 0.05 to 10.0 microns in size. Education Note: Thermal foggers have been used successfully millions of times for the control and neutralization of various smoke and carbon-based odors from fires; Some persons have tried to use thermal foggers and chemicals for water damage remediation, more specifically, mold, fungi and bacteria abatement. So far, there are no scientific studies which indicate thermal fogging machines, techniques or associated chemicals, can reduced or eliminated toxic fungi or pathogenic bacteria. Note: Gas-engine thermal foggers are not to be confused with electric thermal foggers. Electric thermal foggers (hand-held pot-type) do not disperse solvent particles smaller than 10 microns in size.
Validation Sampling:	A laboratory verification method substantiating that the water, mould, bacteria or chemical mitigation services provided by the contractor, left no harmful effects behind. See Clearance Sampling.
Viable:	Viable means alive. The alive cells and spores of bacteria and protozoa, fungi and yeasts, that are alive (and sometimes dormant), which can be grown and reproduced in a laboratory. See Culturable, Non-Culturable, Non-Viable.
Wet-vac:	A portable vacuum machine cable of removing water from a surface. Education Note: A wet-vac is usually for small cleanup jobs requiring a minor amount of equipment and services to contain and remove flooding followed by drying. For larger floods, a wet-vac is usually not sufficient nor practical. A wet-vac should not be confused with a dry-vac. Some dry-vacs can remove both water and dry materials, while other dry-vacuums can support dry materials only. While positioned indoors, a wet-vac should contain fresh water floods only. The reason, is exhausting biological materials indoors that can cause a health concern to persons who breathe in spores, bacteria and viruses.
Wide-Spectrum Disinfectant:	A term used for a particular disinfectant chemical that reports to kill more than one organism type, typically including most fungi, bacteria and viruses.

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