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E%u0026O %u0028Errors and Omission Insurance%u0029 E%u0026O is the professional insurance which must be carried by individuals and companies having and providing expert knowledge and opinions. E%u0026O insurance is important for architects and engineers%u002C including realtors and inspectors. As a form of professional insurance%u002C E%u0026O must carried by an individual or company who makes professional opinions or provides certain professional services.   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   EAC %u0028Electronic Air Cleaner%u0029 Also called an Electronic Precipitator. EACs use a high voltage between two conductors to remove airborne particles %u0028pollens%u002C fungi%u002C dust%u002C dander%u002C skin cells%u002C etc.%u0029 from the air flowing through it.   Earth Movement The movement of earth%u002C including but not limited to%u003A a%u0029 Landslides or mudflow%u002C all weather combined with water or not. b%u0029 Collapse%u002C settling%u002C cracking%u002C shrinking%u002C bulging%u002C subsidence%u002C erosion%u002C sinking%u002C rising%u002C shifting%u002C expanding%u002C or contracting of earth%u002C all weather combined with water or not. c%u0029 Volcanic eruption%u002C including explosion%u002C lava flow and volcanic action.   Earthquake Any shaking or trembling of the earth%u002C whether caused by volcanic activity%u002C tectonic process or any other cause.   EBAC A manufacturer of quality dehumidifiers. EBAC Corporation makes commercial size refrigerant dehumidifiers that can remove large amounts of airborne moisture from a humidified atmosphere per day. See Dri-Eaz Dehumidifiers%u002C Phoenix Dehumidifiers%u002C Restorative Drying   Ecological Density The number of organisms per unit area or volume in a given space. The volume usually refers to organisms in the bed of a lake%u002C field%u002C community or environment.   Ecological Evaluation A process of organizing information about a loss%u002C and analyzing data%u002C information%u002C assumptions and uncertainties to evaluate the likelihood%u002C that adverse effects to relevant ecological receptors or habitats may occur%u002C or are occurring as a result of exposure from a flood%u002C fire%u002C chemical or explosion.   Ecological Indicator Assessing a species or assemblage of organisms that serves as a gauge indicator to the condition of those organisms in a community or environment.   Ecological Niche Activities and their relationship with each other and other organisms within the community or environment.   Ecology The study of organisms and their relationship within their living environments.   Economised In HVAC%u002C economizer is a system that uses the maximum outside air for ventilation and free cooling%u002C as long as dehumidification is not necessary.   Ecosphere Those environments where organisms harbour and live.   Ecosystem Defined as levels of organism organization within the living and decaying world. The biodiversity existing in a building%u0027s indoor environment. See Behavioral Effect%u002C Biodiversity   Eddy Currents The constant movement of air and debris in a random or irregular manner. Mitigation Note%u003A In water damage mitigation%u002C it is turbulent air trapped in corners and cabinets of flooded rooms and buildings during the use of airmovers improperly. Eddy air currents create an opposing force inside a flooded corner%u002C wall or cabinet having squared-off or irregular shapes. Eddy currents often cause forcing-in trapped moisture and debris deeper into building materials instead of releasing them. See Cyclone Effect%u002C Dynamic Pressure%u002C Static Pressure%u002C Turbidity Air Currents   Edge Effect The observation of an increase in the number of different species of organisms along the margins of two separate organism communities. Education Note%u003A The observation an increase in the number of species and organisms can be identified in catastrophic flooded building and in sewage damaged buildings.   Effective Area In HVAC%u002C the effective area is the calculated area of an outlet%u002C based on the averaged measured velocity%u002C between the fins. In water damaged buildings%u002C the area which flooding water came in contact with.   Effective Concentration Dose The amount of organisms after exposure or absorption%u002C and metabolism%u002C which causes an accelerated decay or decomposition of building materials. Usually moulds cannot be seen%u002C but in concentration dose they become visible.   Effective Indoor Temperatures a%u0029 As it relates to building occupants%u002C effective indoor temperature is the arbitrary index that combines into a singe value%u002C the effects of temperature%u002C humidity%u002C and air movement on the sensation of warmth and cold on the human body. The degree of warmth or cold perceived%u002C varies with different combinations of temperature%u002C humidity and air movement. b%u0029 The uniform temperature of a radiantly black enclosure at 50%u0025 relative humidity%u002C in which an occupant would experience the same comfort%u002C physiological strain and heat exchange as in the actual environment with the same air motion.   Efflorecence a%u0029 The ability of concrete%u002C brick and mortar to exude inherent silicate salts %u0028minerals%u0029. Education Note%u003A Efflorescence is usually an indicator that high moisture vapor is pushing out from one side of a concrete%u002C brick and mortar material through another. b%u0029 The mineral alkaline salt residues found on the top of soil under a building after surface water has dissipated.   Effluents Sewage%u002C sludge and dissolved organic waste%u002C that flow into and under buildings usually after mainline sewer backups and pipe breaks.   EH %u0026 S %u0028Environmental Health and Safety%u0029 A person or department who administers the environmental health and safety policy of the agency%u002C municipality%u002C city or business. Education Note%u003A EH%u0026S managers are environmental health and safety persons who have college and/or certification training in environmental and industrial health and safety. Don%u0027t confuse risk management with EH%u0026S. The EH%u0026S person has been given the specific role to increase the awareness of day-to-day business operations%u002C and effect the bottom line in controlling costs related to health and safety issues. EH%u0026S came out of the total quality management %u0028TQM%u0029 and ISO standards%u002C to which many U.S. and worldwide companies subscribe to today. In the very near future%u002C it will not be unusual for insurance adjusters and emergency contractors to start interfacing with EH%u0026S managers when a disaster claim affects a business having EH%u0026S departments.   EHS %u0028Extremely Hazardous Substances%u0029 One of about 400 chemicals listed by the USEPA under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986. Chemicals are based on there acute toxicity. Microbiological agents%u002C even though they can be as extremely hazardous%u002C are not regulated under this act.   EIFS %u0028Exterior Insulated Finish System%u0029 An outside building material system%u002C typically having an acrylic or stucco finish outside%u002C and made of a fabric membrane with polystyrene insulating component.   Electric Power Brushing The use of any electrical appliance for the purpose of cleaning and removing surface debris. A system used to power brush and clean ventilation systems%u002C also referred to as drilled powered rotary brushing or air driven power brush cleaning.   Electrocution Hazards The physical contact or potential contact with an electrical %u0028AC or DC%u0029 energized source or field. The energized source is any conductive wire%u002C substance or environment%u002C that may cause or result in an electrical hazard. Health and Safety Note%u003A Electrocution hazards can occur in water damaged buildings from energized electrical sources in contact with water%u002C and an employee being conductive through their wet shoes and shoes that are electrical conductors. 29 CFR 1910.137%u003B ANSI Z9.4-1968. See Lock-Out/Tag-Out   Electronic Flow Controls In commercial buildings%u002C electronic flow controls are the regulated controls of the building for temperature%u002C humidity%u002C air flow and sometimes monitoring carbon dioxide. Engineering Control Note%u003A In water damaged commercial buildings%u002C the engineering staff may be able to assist through by-passing the electronic flow controls and bring into the wet humidified areas%u002C 100%u0025 fresh air while exhausting out wet air%u002C as well as increasing the air exchanges per hour.   Electronic Stud Finder An electronic instrument that detects the presence and location of wood or metal studs in walls and ceilings. Most electronic stud finders are based on detecting changes in capacity%u002C the same principle used in elevator call systems. The electronic devises incorporate a capacitance plate%u002C basically a piece of metal with an electrical charge on it that creates an electrical field. The electrical field is modified by nearby objects%u002C and a built-in circuit detects those changes. When the electronic devise is placed against a hollow wall%u002C it will have a certain capacitance%u003B but when it is moved to a location where there is a stud behind the wall%u002C the capacitance will change and it will emit a signal. Some newer stud finders have small%u002C built-in radar systems to find studs.   Element Costs Direct costs associated with the basic of building material items%u002C such as door hinges%u002C trim or a half-hour labour.   Elevation FEMA states%u002C elevation is the raising of a structure to a place it is above anticipated flood levels. It is also the structural placement of a building where its elevation is higher than anticipated flood levels. Elevation in general refers to the position of one object to another.   EMC %u0028Equilibrium Moisture Content%u0029 The point where a building and its materials have been returned back to their pre-loss moisture content. See Moisture Content   EME An abbreviation for the author%u0027s environmental mitigation and assessment company%u003A Environmental Management %u0026 Engineering%u002C Inc. 5242 Bolsa Avenue Suite %u00231%u002C Huntington Beach%u002C California 92649. 714/379-1096%u002C www.emeiaq.com%u002C e-mail %u0028pmoffett@emeiaq.com%u0029.   Emergency The immediate services necessary to stop or reduce further damage.   Emergency Removal of Property In insurance terms%u002C the emergency removal of property means the care and control of property that must be removed from the premises endangered by a loss as covered under losses insured. Typically%u002C the emergency removal of property is for a period not more than 30 days from the date of removal.   Emergency Repairs In insurance terms%u002C emergency repairs are all costs the policy holder incurred for the necessary repairs made solely to protect covered property from further damage if a loss covered under the Property Section of the policy causes the damage. Typically%u002C the emergency repairs coverage does not increase the limit of the insurance applying to the property being repaired.   Emergency Responder An employee who has adequate training%u002C knowledge and certification%u002C along with the proper equipment%u002C who can coordinate and manage a known or potentially dangerous or hazardous scene or environment. Health and Safety Note%u003A A minimum of two emergency responders who will work as a team%u002C they have the knowledge%u002C equipment and capabilities of controlling a hazard. 29 CFR 1910.120%u002C et seq%u003B 29 CFR 1910.021%u0028b2%u0029. See Buddy System   Emergency Response Corresponding to the level of emergency actions taken by emergency responders having the right training%u002C supplies and equipment%u002C which are necessary to complete a specific task during an emergency. Education Note%u003A Emergency response in water and fire damage services%u002C include reducing property damage that can be affected by not providing emergency services%u002C such as water removal%u002C containment of damage and reducing secondary and consequential losses. Emergency services by emergency water clean-up technicians%u002C provides a buffer between the public and contaminate exposures%u002C such as water and sewage.   Emergency Response Call The first initial contact by a customer%u002C insurance company%u002C adjuster or insured%u002C fire department or police%u002C that request an emergency response call. The emergency response call is placed into a log book containing all the pertinent information about the emergency. Only after all of the information about the emergency is collected%u002C then described to the emergency response technicians%u002C should the technicians respond to the emergency.   Emergency Response Employees and Hazards Employees whose job calls them to provide emergency response to a building that is suspect of containing a hazard. Hazards include unknown hazards%u002C suspect and known hazards%u002C unsafe buildings%u002C confined space%u002C or environments which are potentially hazardous%u002C carcinogenic%u002C pathogenic or toxic. Contractor Safety%u002C Health and Liability Note%u003A In water and fire damage mitigation%u002C the employer responding to an emergency%u002C along with their technicians%u002C shall comply with all parts of 29 CFR 1910.120%u002C et seq%u003B 29 CFR 1910.021%u0028b2%u0029%u002C when such known or potential hazards exist. See Employee Protection and Training%u002C Employee Right to Know%u002C OSHA%u002C Serious Violation   Emergency Response%u002C or Respondin to Emergencies Hazardous Materials Management Note%u003A In hazardous materials management of regulated materials or a fire where hazardous materials may be an issue%u002C emergency response is a response effort by employees from outside the immediate release area or by other designated responders %u0028i.e.%u002C mutual aid groups%u002C local fire departments%u002C etc.%u0029 to an occurrence which results%u002C or is likely to result%u002C in an uncontrolled release%u002C which may cause high levels of exposure to toxic substances%u002C or which poses danger to employees requiring immediate attention. Responses to incidental releases of hazardous substances where the substance can be absorbed%u002C neutralized%u002C or otherwise controlled at the time of release by employees in the immediate release area%u002C or by maintenance personnel are not considered to be emergency responses within the scope of state and federal standards. Responses to releases of hazardous substances where there is no immediate safety or health hazard %u0028i.e.%u002C fire%u002C explosion%u002C or chemical exposure%u0029 are not considered to be emergency responses. NOTE%u003A The immediate release area can be the entire geographic boundary of the employees assigned work area.   Emergency Services The immediate response services necessary to stop%u002C reduce or control an exposure to human health%u002C or damage to a material%u002C content or property.   Emissions Pollutant gases%u002C particles%u002C vapours%u002C liquids and toxins that are released into an atmosphere. See Fugitive Building Emissions   Employee Decontamination The contaminates generated through some type of work activity which an employee is exposed%u002C resulting in the safe removal of those contaminates%u002C before breaks and leaving the work site.   Employee Protection and Training The mandated training by OSHA of employees to train employees in the performance of their job%u002C in a such a manner as to be safe and healthy at all times while in the performance of their work. Health and Safety Note%u003A a%u0029 The federal and state regulations governing employee protection and training%u002C which is the responsibility of the contractor. b%u0029 All employees must be afforded a clean and safe work environment. c%u0029 Employees are to be trained in their job including the use of equipment and chemicals. d%u0029 In known and potentially hazardous work environments%u002C employees are to be provided their right to know about hazardous environments. e%u0029 Employees are to be trained in the handling and mitigation of a hazardous work environment by completing a non-hazardous simulation exercise. f%u0029 Employees are to be retrained a minimum of once a year.   Employee%u002C Right to Know Each employee at the time of their hire or reclassification is to be advised of any potential hazards associated with each task. Employees are to be successfully trained before attempting a hazardous work task. Contractor Note%u003A a%u0029 Employer shall provide for employees a safe workplace. b%u0029 When first hired%u002C employer shall train employees in all phases of their work prior to allowing them to complete the work. c%u0029 Employer shall insure there are necessary safeguards at the work site. d%u0029 Employer shall permit only trained qualified or experienced workers to operate equipment and machinery. In emergency response to potential biohazardous waste environments. e%u0029 Employer shall insure all employees are trained by their supervisor in a controlled environment before being allowed to enter unsafe or health hazard environments. f%u0029 HAZCOM Standards 29 CFR part 1200%u003B 29 CFR 1910.120%u003B 29 CFR 1904.002%u0028a%u0029%u003B 29 CFR 1926.059%u0028e1%u0029%u003B 52 CFR 163%u003B 52 CFR 31852-31886.   Emulsifier A chemical suspension between two chemicals which causes the dispersion of particles of one liquid to become part of another liquid through a charge of electrons.   Encapsulant A chemical or agent used to cover or bind with a contaminate%u002C either for a short period or a long period of time. No encapsulate in the water damage or fire damage industry is a permanent fix to a problem.   Encapsulation A method using a material or a chemical%u002C to seal and close off a contaminate with a barrier or another material to prevent their escape.   Enclosure a%u0029 An enclosed area or room that is either being sealed off from another room or from itself. b%u0029 A barrier or partition that separates one area from another. c%u0029 A plastic material%u002C usually 6 mm or greater%u002C that is used in asbestos%u002C lead-base paint%u002C and mould abatement.   Endotoxins Bacteria-type microorganism cell walls that breakdown at the time of their death%u002C and where the organism releases bacteria toxins in the air as they die. Not unlike exotoxins%u002C endotoxins are from various Gram negative organisms such as sewage%u002C having similar pathogenic effects. See Enterotoxins   Enginerring Controls a%u0029 In hazardous or contaminated environments%u002C it is the administrative and mechanical controls responsible for the removal or reduction of an exposure%u002C contaminate or hazard. b%u0029 In building management%u002C it is the methods implemented in controlling occupant exposures%u002C by modifying the source or reducing the quantity of contaminates released throughout the building.   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%u002C 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%u002C and based on symptoms%u002C food poisoning is often the main suspect. See Endotoxins%u002C Neurotoxins   Enthalpy To warm in and to heat. A measurement of the energy content of a system per unit mass. The quantity of heat in a substance or physical system%u002C or its heat content. See Entropy   Entrainment 1. The ability of a foreign substance%u002C liquid or gas to be captured in a media or a building material after enter a media or material. 2. The capture of part of the surrounding air by the airstream discharged from an outlet %u0028sometimes called secondary air motion%u0029. Mitigation Note%u003A a%u0029 Pertaining to water damages and building flooding%u003B the intrusion of water%u002C soil%u002C silt%u002C sludge and sewage effluents and their toxins to become part of building materials and contents from an outside source. b%u0029 The ability of vapour%u002C fumes%u002C gas%u002C mists%u002C microorganisms and solid particles to adsorb in a building material from an outside source. c%u0029 The ability of a contaminate to enter into a space and be absorbed or consumed. See Infiltration   Entrainment Velocity a%u0029 The ability of water%u002C gas%u002C vapour%u002C mist and solid particles to absorb and impact into other materials. b%u0029 The gas flow velocity in air%u002C which tends to keep particles suspended and cause deposited particles to become airborne. Mitigation Note%u003A Typically this applies to airflow in ducts carrying airborne particles and other contaminates. Entrainment velocity effects is a concern for water damage mitigation contractors who use 1%u002C000 CFM or greater air movers which transport large amounts of wet-humidified air throughout a building. See Acceleration Velocity%u002C Air Movement%u002C Dynamic Pressure%u002C Turbidity Air Currents   Entropy The ratio of the heat added to a substance to the absolute temperature at which it is added. As it relates to heat as temperature%u002C entropy is a measurement of disorder. Education Note%u003A The higher the heat the in a building for example%u002C the higher the entropy. Entropy in this example effects occupant comfort levels%u002C humidity%u002C atmospheric changes and volatile organic compounds. In a buildings envelope where there is a closed system of heating and air conditioning%u002C entropy is a result of increased and decreased energy flow. It follows that the entropy of a building using a closed HVAC system is increasing throughout the day if fresh air and conditioned air are not properly mixed and supplied. The increase rate of energy from a closed HVAC system %u0028rates of reaction%u0029 are proportionately increased with the rate of indoor temperature. This is one way of stating the second law of thermodynamics.   Entry Permit OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146%u002C is the written or printed document that is provided by the employer to allow and control entry into a permit required confined space. The entry permit contains all necessary information as contained in the Confined Space Standard. Health and Safety Note%u003A Water damage remediation contractors who are trained to recognize a building or environment is unsafe%u002C or it has a hazard%u002C including a water damage slip%u002C trip and fall%u002C a fire%u002C a microbiological hazard from sewage or fungi%u002C or chemicals and toxins%u002C must post appropriate warning signs%u002C both for the public and employees. More specifically%u002C this is for contractors who have been contracted to provide mitigation/remediation-type services%u002C who must post a written notice of Do Not Enter and the Entry Permit. See Confined Space%u002C Do Not Enter%u002C Permit-Required Confined Space Entry   Entry Supervisor Duties In confined space entry%u002C the duties of the supervisor are not unlike the attendant located outside the confined space. The entry supervisor include the role in determining if the conditions in the confined space are acceptable for employee entry%u003B overseeing entry operations and terminating entry when required or necessary%u003B verify the test results for the chemicals%u002C vapours%u002C flammable or toxins present%u003B verify the need for rescue services and the means for summoning help%u003B remove all unauthorized persons and employees from the permit work space%u003B fill out%u002C date and sign all logs. An entry supervisor may also serve as an attendant or an authorized entrant if they are properly trained and equipped for each role. See Attendant%u002C Confined Space%u002C Rescue Procedures   Environmental Assessment A preliminary first stage assessment to physically study and assess concerns to the environment or building.   Environmental Audit %u00281%u0029 An internal audit of building compliance that are based on a set of standards or science. %u00282%u0029 Study of land and buildings prior to real estate sale or transfer. The audit%u002C in part%u002C determines whether persons%u002C animals or the environment itself has been impacted because of a discharge or exposure of some type.   Environmental Ethics A code of ethics or value system that judges human actions on the environment. Environmental ethics is established by a governing body of professionals%u002C accepted and practiced by industrial hygienists%u002C microbiologists%u002C chemists and other environmental professionals.   Environmental Impact a%u0029 The impact of a contaminate on an building or a material. b%u0029 The impact of a contaminate on the environment and building occupancy. The environmental impact may be short lived or long lasting. In either case%u002C the environmental impact must be measured and monitored. Mitigation Note%u003A In water damage mitigation%u002C it is the impact of the water damage event effecting directly the building and its occupants. 1%u0029 Saturated asbestos and lead-base paint is a direct environmental impact on the building. 2%u0029 Not addressing all the issues of water%u002C water vapour%u002C drying the building immediately%u002C and resulting increase of fungi%u002C may have a direct environmental and health impact on the building and its occupants.   Environmental Impairment Liability Policy %u0028EIL policy%u0029 An insurance policy offering bodily injury and property damage coverage for gradual releases of pollutants for any claims made during the policy period%u002C no matter when the release occurred. The EIL policy fills the gap left by policy exclusions called pollution exclusions.   Environmentally Adaptive Bacteria Any number of bacteria that are common outdoors usually in found in soil and fecal matter. Education Note%u003A Soil bacteria include Bacillus species%u002C that is tracked indoors from animals and humans and become adaptive to their indoor environment. Gram-positive cocci such as Staphylococcus%u002C Micrococcus and Streptococcus%u002C are generally brought into buildings from shed human skin and mucous membranes%u002C they should typically represent about 85/90%u0025 of the bacteria isolates indoors. Health Note%u003A Gram-negative cocci such as Pseudomonas%u002C Escherichia%u002C Enterobacter%u002C Klebsiella%u002C Citrobacter%u002C Aeromonas and other species%u002C are pathogens%u002C 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%u002C are brought into a building from building occupants%u002C air currents and ventilation. Education Note%u003A Environmentally adaptive fungi are those outdoor fungi%u002C which under the right growth conditions %u0028temperature and humidity%u0029%u002C 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%u002C 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%u002C when ideal temperatures and humidity exist. See Environmentally Adaptive Bacteria   EPA %u0028Environmental Protection Agency%u0029 A federal government agency established 1970%u002C to provide for the formulation%u002C regulation and enforcement of environmental regulations. The agency governs the release of pollutants and activities that may cause or adversely affect the public health and environment. Many states have their own EPA%u002C such as California EPA%u002C which must prescribe and follow the federal mandates%u002C but are allowed to tighten federal regulations and standards in their state. See OSHA   Epidemiology The science which studies environments%u002C buildings and persons before%u002C during and after a pollution%u002C chemical%u002C gas%u002C vapour or microbiological exposure.   Episode A period involving a time of extreme or abnormally high pollutant concentrations which may last hours%u002C days%u002C weeks or longer.   Episodic Erosion Ground erosion caused or induced by a single storm event. An episodic erosion in a coastal environment for example considers the vertical component of two factors%u003A 1%u0029 the general beach profile lowering%u003B and 2%u0029 localized conical scour around building foundation supports. In general%u002C episodic erosion is relevant to the foundations embedment depth and potential undermining of the foundations ground.   Equal Friction Method A method of duct sizing wherein the selected duct friction loss value is used constantly throughout the design of a low pressure duct system.   Equipment Decontamination Charges Costs attributable directly to the job%u002C where the equipment used or exposed to the requires their cleaning and sanitizing before the equipment is allowed to leave the job.   Equipment Rental In water%u002C fire and catastrophic disasters%u002C equipment rental refers to the equipment necessary on the job%u002C to control or eliminate a particular hazard or damage%u002C or the equipment necessary to complete a particular job. Contractor Note%u003A Equipment rental includes%u002C but is not limited to%u003A Airmovers and dehumidifiers%u002C electrical power generators%u002C ventilation%u002C portable lights and temporary power supplies%u002C scaffolding%u002C negative air and air scrubbers%u002C confined space entry%u002C monitoring equipment%u002C respiratory protection%u002C extraction equipment and vacuum trucks%u002C storage containment bins and debris dumpsters%u002C jack-hammers to heavy equipment%u002C portable toilets and health and safety requirements%u002C communication devises and management trailers. Equipment rental includes the necessary to complete a particular portion of a job are direct billable costs of the job. The contractors contract terms and conditions must allow and provide for reimbursement of all equipment rental%u002C clean-up and sanitization%u002C repair and maintenance%u002C as well as overheads and profit.   ERT %u0028Environmental Response Team%u0029 A group of highly trained individuals with scientific equipment who can determine the effects on the environment%u002C buildings and humans.   ERV %u0028Energy Recovery Ventilation%u0029 A means by which a mechanical heating and air conditioning unit is capable of assisting in the introduction of fresh air into a building and removing old air%u002C while keeping the temperature consistent inside%u002C with a minimum expenditure of energy. ERV is also referred to as heat recovery ventilation or HRV. Both mechanical processes have a core unit heat exchanger that causes the thermal energy %u0028heat%u0029 to flow between two air streams. Some manufacturers incorporate an enthalpic exchanger%u002C so that moisture can be exchanged as well%u002C keeping buildings comfortable in summer%u002C winter and during humid months.   EST %u0028Estimate%u003B Emergency Service%u002C Construction or Repair Time%u0029 EST is an abbreviation for estimate. An estimate in insurance work%u002C an estimate is the anticipated cost of materials%u002C labor%u002C equipment%u002C licenses%u002C overhead%u002C profit%u002C insurance%u002C or any combination of these necessary to perform a specific job or task.   Estimate Based On SY%u002C SF%u002C LF%u002C CY%u002C CF The anticipated estimate for a job is predicated on a known cost factor%u002C such as total square yards%u002C square feet%u002C linear feet%u002C cubic yards%u002C cubic feet%u002C that are used to cost out a job. For example%u002C if a floor area is 200 square feet in size%u002C the estimated costs are 200 times %u0028X%u0029. X includes all labor%u002C material%u002C overhead and profit costs of the job per square foot%u002C which sometimes requires a plus %u0025 factor%u002C for cuts and overage of a rough or finished material. %u0028200 times X times %u0025 %u003D estimate%u0029.   Etiologic Pertaining to the cause of a disease or abnormal condition.   Etiology The study and knowledge of the causes of disease.   Eutrophication Dying from a lack of oxygen. A process through which a body of water becomes richer in nutrients and lower in dissolved oxygen. This process reduces lakes and streams ability to support fish and other marine life. Part of the environmental concern is the discharge of phosphate detergents. In many parts of the nation%u002C it is illegal to discharge detergent waste into storm drains or onto city and community streets. Mitigation Note%u003A 1%u0029 In water damage remediation%u002C eutrophication occurs in stagnant water%u002C such as that found in elevator shafts%u002C sumps%u002C and under buildings. 2%u0029 Eutrophication also occurs in soil under buildings that have been flooded with water and sewage. See Detergents%u002C Soil-Gas   Evaporation A molecule change of state %u0028phase%u0029%u002C from solid liquids%u002C to mist-like vapours%u002C then to a gas. Some molecules such as water%u002C have enough energy to escape from the liquid%u002C to the vapor and/or gas phase%u002C in small to large quantities%u002C which will increase or decrease depending on wind and temperature. See Condensation   Evaporation Rate The ratio of the time required to evaporate a measured volume of a liquid to the time required to evaporate the same volume of a reference liquid %u0028ie. ethyl ether%u0029 under ideal test conditions. The higher the ratio%u002C the slower the evaporation rate.   Evaporative Cooling The adiabatic exchange of heat between air and a water spray or a wetted surface. In an HVAC unit%u002C the water approaches the wet-bulb temperature of the air%u002C which remains constant during its traverse at the exchanger.   Evaporator In an HVAC heat exchanger%u002C in which the medium being cooled%u002C usually air or water%u002C gives up heat to the refrigerant through the exchanger transfer surface. The liquid refrigerant boils into a gas in the process of the heat absorption.   Evapo-transpiration %u0028also known as Vapiro-transpiration%u0029 The combined action of evaporation %u0028vapourization%u0029 and transpiration %u0028transfer%u0029. Vapourization is the physical process of converting water to vapor or gas%u002C and transpiration is the mechanical means allowing this action to occur. Restorative Drying Note%u003A In water damage buildings%u002C it is the movement of water%u002C as a liquid%u002C vapourized in air %u0028moisture vapor%u0029 and transferred from porous materials and surfaces. For this action to occur%u002C it is important to allow for vapor transfer of moisture through mechanical means%u002C by using air movers and dehumidifiers. See Air Movement%u002C Dehumidification%u002C Evaporation%u002C Moisture Vapour   Evidence Collection Contractors and other persons who hold a state contractors license%u002C or persons who are trained as specialists and who gather evidence information%u002C pictures and other forms of documentation on behalf of their client. Contractor Note%u003A a%u0029 Evidence collection may include documenting the cause of damage%u002C such as a broken pipe or fixture%u002C 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%u002C which may require the removal of both sections %u0028or parts%u0029 of the broken pipe or fixture%u002C labeling and numbering each part as they were found%u002C then photographing the labeling %u0028have a ruler in the picture showing dimensions%u0029. Create a chain of custody from the time you gained control and removed the pipe section or fixture%u002C to the location where you archived the broken parts%u002C then the final transfer and release of the parts to your client. b%u0029 Recently%u002C some contractors have had to demonstrate that the water emergency they are cleaning up%u002C requiring disinfection%u002C in other words%u002C 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%u0029 Evidence collection may include clearance sampling and/or monitoring%u002C stating that the building is dehumidified and is dry%u002C back to its pre-loss condition%u002C and/or that the clean-up of the sewage and bacteria after sanitizing%u002C have been completed successfully%u002C and there are no longer sewage bacteria concerns on exposed building surfaces and on the previously effected contents. See Chain of Custody%u002C Clearance Sampling%u002C Forensic Investigation%u002C Sewage Sampling%u002C Swab Sampling   Exfiltration The passage or movement of air out of a building or substructure through building cracks%u002C around windows and doors%u002C ventilation%u002C and the means of wind%u002C humidity or temperature differences that effect the building. See Infiltration   Exhaust Air The contaminated indoor air that is removed from a building space naturally or mechanically%u002C and is not intended to be reused indoors.   Exhaust Filtration One of several engineering control methods acceptable resulting in the scrubbing and filtering of exhausted gases and airborne contaminates to an outside air space.   Exhaust Ventilation The mechanical removal of air%u002C using positive or negative air pressure%u002C to push-out and exhaust contaminates from a building%u0027s atmosphere or building space.   Exothermic Reaction A reaction in which heat is given off as in a fire%u002C or in the combination of water and a chemical such as lithium bromide.   Exotoxin A protein molecule produced and released by bacteria that causes certain diseases in humans when allowed to enter the skin through rashes%u002C skin breaks or when inhaled. For example%u002C botulism and tetanus. Health Note%u003A 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%u002C Neurotoxins   Expansion Gap The perimeter space of wood and other flooring materials%u002C that allows for normal expansion and contraction of the flooring materials during temperature and humidity changes. See Equilibrium Moisture Content   Exposure a%u0029 The contact of harmful agents between humans%u002C animals and their environments. b%u0029 The contact with a chemical%u002C biological or physical hazard. Health Note%u003A Exposure in water damage remediation is the contact with a foreign substance that causes injury and illness. Nails%u002C wood and metal splinters%u002C tack strips%u002C cuts%u002C abrasions%u002C puncture wounds%u002C injection%u002C inhalation and absorption are all exposure related injuries.   Exposure Assessment The determination or estimation %u0028qualitative or quantitative%u0029 of the magnitude%u002C frequency%u002C duration and route of exposure between a source and a receptor. The receptor may be a human%u002C building or an environment.   Exposure Pathway The manner in which a chemical or contaminate takes from the source area%u0028s%u0029 to a person%u002C a building%u002C an atmosphere or ecological habitat. An exposure pathway describes the mechanism by which an exposure occurred%u002C originating from the site. Each exposure pathway includes a source release knowledge about the source and its chemical or contaminate and the point of origin.   Exposure Route The manner in which a chemical%u002C toxin or biological agent comes in contact with a human%u002C for example%u002C inhalation%u002C ingestion%u002C adsorption%u002C or other form of dermal contact.   Exposure Scenarion The description of the circumstances surrounding an exposure or claim loss%u002C including the site property%u002C chemical or exposure properties%u002C and the potential risks and exposures what are or may be present at the site.   Exterior Cleaning a%u0029 The removal and cleanup of the physical of dirt and debris. b%u0029 The removal and cleanup of non-regulated contaminates. c%u0029 The removal of debris brought out of a building after demolition. d%u0029 The removal of water marks or fire smoke from a building after a flood or a fire.   Extraction Any one of a number of acceptable methods used to contain and permanently remove water%u002C vapour%u002C gas or a solid from a surface or an atmosphere. Contractor Note%u003A In water damage mitigation%u002C in removing surface water%u002C extraction is the suctioning of surface water%u002C and sometimes solids%u002C off a surface. The water is then transported through a suction hose to a containment devise such as a truck mount containment tank or a portable extraction machine. Restorative Drying Note%u003A In the removal of humidified ambient air in a wet building%u002C extraction is the action necessary to remove the humidified air from ambient air with dryer air. Extracting moisture-humidified air requires the effect of using air exchanges in the building with dryer air. The successful extraction of wet air with dryer air or dehumidified air%u002C requires the use of scientific principles and monitoring. See Dehumidification%u002C Restorative Drying   Extrapolation The prediction outcome in a particular circumstance. This is based on known circumstances%u002C experience and experimental observations%u002C but are founded on existing empirical data. Contractor Note%u003A For example%u002C a contractor having years of knowledge in water damage remediation%u002C where extrapolation allows a professional judgement%u002C to extrapolate the outcome of issues effecting a particular flooded building. See Best Professional Judgement%u002C Hypothesis Theory   Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis A swelling from of pneumonia that is caused by an immune reaction in an allergic patient. The reaction may be brought about by a variety of inhaled organic dusts%u002C often those containing fungal spores. A wide variety of symptoms may occur%u002C including difficulty breathing%u002C fever%u002C chills%u002C malaise%u002C and muscle aches. The symptoms usually develop 4 to 6 hours after exposure. Kinds of extrinsic allergic alveolitis include bagassosis%u002C farmer%u0027s lung%u002C humidifier or air conditioner lung%u002C mushroom worker%u0027s lung%u002C suberosis. The health condition may be diagnosed as hypersensitivity pneumonitis.   Eye and Face Protection The appropriate goggles%u002C safety glasses and face shields%u002C necessary and required for protecting the eye and face from exposure to a foreign substance%u002C including splashing of liquids and contact with projectiles. 29 CFR 1910.133-135%u002C ANSI Z87.1%u002C Z358.1-1990. See PPE