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Fabric Filters and Bags Filters and filter bags made of Teflon%u002C Nylon%u002C cotton%u002C or glass fiber which are used to remove particulate matter. The accumulation of material collected can be periodically disposed%u002C shaken off and then the bags are washed for reuse. Other common filters%u002C such as cardboard frame filters are disposed.   Face Velocity The velocity of air. Face velocity is obtained by dividing the air quantity by the component material face area.   Facility a%u0029 Any type of physical building%u002C interior space%u002C structure%u002C installation%u002C equipment%u002C pipe%u002C duct%u002C container or vehicle%u002C which is used to store hazardous materials%u002C or the facility contains a hazardous chemical%u002C pollutant%u002C product or agent. b%u0029 Any building%u002C structure%u002C installation%u002C equipment%u002C pipe or pipeline %u0028including any pipe into a sewer or publicly owned treatment works%u0029%u002C well%u002C pit%u002C pond%u002C lagoon%u002C impoundment%u002C ditch%u002C storage container%u002C motor vehicle%u002C rolling stock%u002C or aircraft. c%u0029 The description of a property containing a contaminate%u002C where a release has occurred or a building that has experienced a loss. d%u0029 Any site or area where a hazardous substance has been deposited%u002C stored%u002C disposed of%u002C placed%u002C or otherwise come to be located%u003B but does not include any consumer product in consumer use or any water-borne vessel.   Failure Analysis A means of determining why a particular part or product failure occurred. Failure analysis is completed in a controlled laboratory environment%u002C where the failure can be replicated.   Fallout The ability of an airborne substance having matter to settle and fallout of the air. Mitigation Note%u003A Pertaining to water damage%u002C it is the accumulation of settled dust and debris found on contents from air movers and dryers. The fallout is not apparent until after the forced air movement has stopped. Particles%u002C dust%u002C spores%u002C pollens and other contaminates will settle on surfaces. Air movers are used to dry wet-saturated carpet and building materials. Often these materials harbor pounds of dust and dirt contaminates that become airborne and fallout on surfaces.   False Negative a%u0029 Erroneous test results that infer a room or building does not have contaminates or they are not in the levels anticipated. b%u0029 A building reportedly having no chemical or indoor air contaminate concerns%u002C when in fact%u002C it actually does have chemical and indoor air quality concerns. Health Note%u003A False negative results cannot take into consideration certain lower detection levels%u002C which some persons may sense and identify%u002C where scientific equipment cannot.   False Positive a%u0029 Erroneous test results that infer a room%u002C environment or building does have contaminates higher than anticipated. Liability Note%u003A b%u0029 A building that has been reportedly diagnosed as having poor indoor air quality%u002C when in fact%u002C it does not have poor indoor air quality.   Fan%u002C Centrifugal Type A fan rotor or wheel within a scroll cage housing%u002C including driving mechanism supports%u002C for either a belt drive or a direct connection.   Fan%u002C Performance Curve Fan performance curve refers to the constant speed performance curve. The fan performance curve is a graphical presentation of the static or total pressure and power input%u002C over a range of air volume flow rate%u002C at a stated inlet density and fan speed. The fan performance curve may include static and mechanical efficiency curves. The range of air volume flow rate which is covered generally extends from shutoff %u0028zero air volume flow rate%u0029 to free delivery %u0028zero fan static pressure%u0029. The pressure curves are generally referred to as the pressure-volume curves.   Fan%u002C Static Pressure The pressure added to the ventilation system by the fan. The fan static pressure equals the sum of pressure losses in the system minus the velocity pressure in the air at the fan inlet.   Fan%u002C Tubeaxial Type A propeller or disc type wheel within a cylinder and including driving mechanism supports%u002C for either a belt drive or a direct connection.   Fan%u002C Vanaxial Type A disc type wheel within a cylinder%u002C a set of air guide vanes located either before or after the wheel and including driving mechanism supports%u002C for either a belt drive or a direct connection.   Feasibilty Study A detailed technical%u002C economic%u002C and/or legal review of a known or suspect building or contaminated area. It is implemented to access and outline all potential costs%u002C benefits%u002C and problems.   Feature Strip A molding or base material that is used to separate two other materials. a%u0029 In parquet floors%u002C a wood feature strip is used to separate parquet blocks or patterns from the perimeter of walls%u002C as well as to end the parquet floor pattern. b%u0029 Feature strips as wood or metal molding or boarder wallpaper%u002C are sometimes used to cover up a damage after repair%u002C such as removal and replacement of the lower portion of a wall%u002C where the rest of the wall is to be kept intact. The feature strip then becomes an accent%u002C and compliments the wall finish and decor.   Fecal Coliforms A type of bacteria whose natural habitat is the colon of humans and other warm blooded animals. Specifically%u002C they are Gram-negative rod shape bacteria that can survive with or without oxygen. Education and Health Note%u003A The presence of coliforms in food%u002C beverages and water mean that the material is contaminated with solid human or animal waste%u002C 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.   Federal Emergency Management Agency %u0028FEMA%u0029 The federal agency responsible for administrating disaster management and relief across the United States and its territories. The Agency was created in 1978 to provide a single-point of accountability for all federal activities related to disaster mitigation and emergency preparedness%u002C response%u002C and recovery. FEMA administers and manages the National Flood Insurance Program %u0028NFIP%u0029. To contact or research FEMA/NFIP database their e-mail address is www.fema.gov/nfip/. The general information phone number is 800/427-4661%u002C and to ask a question%u002C fax is 301/918-1471. To download fax information from FEMA database call 202/646-FEMA.   Federal Insurance Administration The component within FEMA that is directly responsible for administering the flood insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program.   Federal Register The publication of U.S. Government documents officially promulgated under the law%u002C which the documents whose validity depends upon such publication. The Federal Register is published on each day following a government working day. It is%u002C in effect%u002C the daily supplement to the Code of Federal Regulations%u002C CFR. See Code of Federal Regulations   Field Blank A sample container carried to and from the sample collection site. It is not used in the sampling collection%u002C but it is returned back to the laboratory for analysis with the exposed collection samples.   Field Notes Hand or computer generated notes about a particular job or claim that may be incorporated in to a larger document%u002C or placed in a file as-is.   Filter A product made to remove contaminate materials from one another. In outside exposed air conditioning units%u002C filters are produced from fibres%u002C mesh and a frame. In inside mounted filters%u002C the media includes various composite and compressed materials having varying thickness and density. See Baghouse%u002C HEPA Filters%u002C Pleated Filter   Filtering The ability of certain filter media to stop particles%u002C gases and vapours%u002C having a larger mass and size%u002C from entering another air space. Filtering allows the passage of smaller particles while retaining larger particles. See Baghouse%u002C HEPA Filters   Filtering Efficiency A standard of various filters performance and efficiency. The efficiency of various filters can be established on the basis of entrapped particles%u003B i.e.%u002C collection efficiency%u002C or on the basis of particles passed through the filter%u002C i.e.%u002C penetration efficiency. Filter efficiencies are governed by ASTM%u002C ASHRAE.   Filtering Velocity The speed at which air and particles move through various filters. The more dense the filter the better the particle capturing. But%u002C more dense filters having particle collection%u002C reduces filtering velocity.   Filtration A filtering means by which water or air is filtered. Education Note%u003A Air filtration in a building are filter capturing devises %u0028pleated filters%u0029 for example%u002C located in the supply air stream%u002C before the filtered conditioned air is allowed to enter in the ambient building%u0027s atmosphere.   Filtration Soil a%u0029 The soil that appears beneath drapes%u002C upholstery and carpets%u002C along a wall or a stair case. Education Note%u003A The carpet becomes a filtration devise%u002C where air is allowed to pass and filter over time. Filtration soil at the edge of carpets or under drapes will cause discoloration%u002C and the effect may be permanent%u002C even after corrective cleaning. b%u0029 The soil which is found trapped on a filtration media in a ventilation system.   Fines Very small and minute-size airborne particles%u002C usually solid particles less than 2 microns in size. Often%u002C fines of dust and particulate debris are distributed by dirty ventilation systems%u002C and airmovers after a flood. Mitigation Note%u003A Fines can also be described in catastrophic building floods%u002C where micro-fine %u0028fines%u0029 are actually micro-fine silt%u002C that become adsorbed and a permanent part of porous building materials. See Grit%u002C Mud and Muck   Fingernail Fungus A fungal condition caused by the fungi Tineus unguium%u002C resulting from dirt and other debris with fungus to embed under the finger nail. Health Note%u003A The fungi condition may be dormant for some time and under the right conditions fungus will start growing causing severe pain and eventual loss of the nail. If not properly treated%u002C this condition will never go away on its own. Health Note%u003A Various species of Tinea fungus may be present in remediation employees who handle fungi contaminated building materials and gray water%u002C when they do not wear the proper gloves or provide for personal hygiene %u0028proper methods of hand washing%u0029. See Athletes Foot%u002C Ringworm%u002C Tinea   Fire and Water Damages Once combustion occurs%u002C the standard fire department extinguishing method is the use of water%u002C and lots of it. Education Note%u003A A hot fire%u002C can result in the extinguishing water to expand 800 to 1%u002C500 times its size%u002C forcing the extinguishing water to penetrate into walls and furniture%u002C while humidifying the air space. After the primary combustion with heat has been eliminated%u002C but before the fire is out%u002C the extinguishing water will change from a high temperature vapor state%u002C in the presence of cooler temperatures%u002C return back to a liquid%u002C and become part of the flood water throughout a building. When the fire is out%u002C for the most part%u002C the fire stops being a damaging concern. The water and resulting fungi%u002C if not abated in a short period of time%u002C will result in secondary damage.   Fire Toxics A burning building has wood%u002C plastics%u002C other synthetics%u002C asbestos to lead-base paint%u002C not including stored chemicals under a sink or in a garage%u002C which together%u002C produce a soup of toxic materials. No employee should be allowed to inhale soot and toxins that contain carcinogens. A HEPA-rated respirator%u002C during the tear out and cleanup phase%u002C must be worn by all employees. Right after combustion in a fire damaged building%u002C more than 1%u002C000 identified substances can be present in air at any one time. Weeks later%u002C disturbing fire debris%u002C will cause some of the toxins as carcinogens%u002C to become airborne.   Fixtures Structural and non-structural affixed components to a building%u002C such as plumbing and light fixtures%u002C cabinets and vanities%u002C windows and moldings.   Flammable Gas%u002C Vapour or Mist Any atmosphere that contains flammable gas%u002C vapor or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit %u0028LFL%u0029%u002C that atmosphere is not acceptable for entry. Safety Note%u003A LFL means the minimum concentration of a flammable materials which will ignite if an ignition source is present. This information can be found in the MSDS of a chemical. See Toxic Air Contaminates%u002C Asphyxiating Atmospheres   Flammable Liquid Under USDOT regulations%u002C any liquid having a flash point less than 100 %uF045F.   Flashing Referring to a painted surface%u002C flashing is the uneven gloss on the wall%u002C particularly when viewed at a low angle. Education Note%u003A High and low %u0028sheen%u0029 spots %u0028flashing%u0029%u002C can be observed as small or large discolored areas on a flat wall surface. Flashing is sometimes caused by the premature painting over a wall that has not fully dried after a water damage%u002C or a wall that has differences in its substrate absorbency.   Flood Insurance Rate Map %u0028FIRM%u0029 The map produced by FEMA for a community that distinguishes flood hazard zones%u002C including the 100-year floodplain.   Floodproofing Methods incorporated in design%u002C materials and construction to reduce flooding and errosion damage to the building and its contents.   Floor Scrubber A cleaning and scrubbing machine that is usually powered by A/C and has 300 RPM. The floor scrubber is a single disk %u0028pad%u0029 cleaning machine%u002C and depending on the pad%u002C it becomes a cleaning%u002C scrubbing or stripping machine. Education Note%u003A In a sewage clean-up situation%u002C after gross sewage has been removed and cleaning and sanitizing is the final step%u002C a floor scrubber is highly desirable in cleaning and sanitizing finished floors to porous concrete slabs. See Automatic Floor Scrubber%u002C High-speed Buffer   Floorplan The topographic overview layout of one or more floors of a building. Education Note%u003A The floorplan consists of the outer walls and interior walls%u002C while showing all built-in counters and shelves%u002C tubs and toilets. Most floor-plans are drawn to size%u002C and they indicate their position as to north and south%u002C east and west directions. If a floorplan is attached to an adjacent unit%u002C apartment%u002C office%u002C or condominium%u002C the floor-plan should indicate the presence of all common wall connections. Technician Note%u003A If the floorplan is a sketch%u002C and it is not to size%u002C the outside dimensions should be noted%u002C along with all inside wall dimensions. If the damage to a room or building is partially damaged%u002C the floor-plan should have broken lines%u002C indicating the areas of damage from non-areas of damage. Make several photocopies of a skeletal floor plan%u002C and place the names of all damaged building materials on one floorplan pointing to the damage%u002C and on another skeletal floor-plan%u002C name each room involved and the connecting rooms and hallways. On a third skeletal floor-plan%u002C indicate where all of the services were provided and on what dates were they completed. If wall drying and dehumidification was necessary note your moisture measurements and the position of all drying equipment on another floor-plan copy.   Flow Coefficient A correction factor used for figuring volume flow rate of a fluid through an orifice. This factor includes the effects of contraction and turbulence loss %u0028covered by the coefficient of discharge%u0029%u002C plus the compressibility effect%u002C and the effect of an upstream velocity other than zero. Since the latter two effects are negligible in many instances%u002C the flow coefficient is often equal to the coefficient of discharge.   Fluid A gas%u002C vapour or liquid. A fluid is not a solid%u002C but airborne and bioaerosol particulates are lighter than air and they can travel airborne%u002C having the ability to flow in air.   Flushing a%u0029 The process which a contaminate is suspended in a liquid and removed%u003B b%u0029 The process of removing a liquid or dry material through vacuuming%u003B The process of cleaning%u002C washing and emptying.   Flushing and Purging of Air In a confined space%u002C including in large buildings having an airborne contaminate%u002C flushing and purging is the utilization of fans and other exhaust equipment%u002C to remove airborne and volatile agents from surfaces%u002C into outside air. Health and Safety Note%u003A If the contaminates are a regulated contaminate%u002C a carcinogen%u002C flammable%u002C pathogen or toxic%u002C the flushing and purging of airborne contaminates must be done so safely%u002C and in such a manner to not cause harm to human health downstream of the exhausted air. See Ventilating   Flush-Out In indoor environmental quality%u002C flush-out is the process by which indoor air is exchanged repeatedly and over time with fresh outdoor air. Education Note%u003A Depending on the purpose and design%u002C flush-out may include purging the HVAC system and providing maximum outdoor air intake continuously for several days. Flush-out sometimes is necessary when new furniture%u002C carpet%u002C paint and other adhesive related products are brought into a building having a tight indoor air configuration. See Bake-Out   Flywheel Effect In HVAC systems%u002C the regulation of the speed and the uniformity of the motion of air evening out temperature variations in a building due to the temperature storage capabilities of the building%u0027s temperature and air mass.   Fogger See Wet Fogger   Fomites Any object that functions to transfer infection contaminated by pathogens from a diseased source. Health Note%u003A For example%u002C sewage bacteria which can easily pass pathogens to unsuspecting objects such as phones%u002C kitchenware%u002C books%u002C bed linen%u002C children%u0027s 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   Foot Protection Shoes and boots having appropriate protection for the job. This may include waterproof or rubberized boots%u002C footwear that allows for puncture protection and crushing%u002C non-conductive and non-slip. 29 CFR 1910.136   Footing A foundation base-part of a building%u002C usually underground%u002C in which other building materials such as foundation walls and floors are placed upon and are supported. The enlarged base of a building%u0027s foundation wall%u002C pier%u002C or column%u002C designed to spread the load of the structure so that it does not exceed the soil-bearing capacity.   Forced Oxidation A process that allows some pollutants to be exhausted or discharged%u002C and forced into contact with air%u002C which converts some pollutants to a stable form.   Forensic Analysis A means by which investigators use in determining causation of a particular damage. Forensic analysis include the characteristics of a particular event which may be used in a court of law or formal argument. See Failure Analysis%u002C Forensic Investigation   Forensic Investigation A physical and sometimes scientific investigation as to the cause and result of a particular event. Contractor Note%u003A a%u0029 Building forensic investigations are conducted to determine if there is a construction defect or the cause surrounding a particular building defect. b%u0029 Forensic investigations are necessary in insurance claims%u002C where a damage occurred because of a fire or water damage%u002C requiring disclosure about causation. c%u0029 Forensic investigations are sometimes necessary in determining the responsible party%u002C where subrogation will be considered.   Formica A registered name for a laminated plastic veneer material%u002C commonly found on cabinets%u002C such as kitchen counters and other flat surfaces.   Foul Odour An odour which is perceived as being rotten and disgusting. The odour stinks and it may be putrid or pungent. A foul odour suggests the environment is extremely filthy%u002C dirty or is impure.   Fouling Damage A painting condition that is a result of penetration or peeling by water action or marine fouling organisms.   Foundation That part of a structure which supports the load of the building%u002C as well as the foundation transmits all of the load of the building to the supporting ground.   FPM %u0028Feet per Minute%u0029 A measure of air velocity in %u0028FPM/fpm%u0029 feet per minute.   Framing A designed and engineered system of wood%u002C concrete and steel%u002C providing support and rigidity of the building%u0027s framework.   Free Area a%u0029 The actual measured perpendicular area between the fins of a grill or register. b%u0029 The area in a contaminated zone or deposition%u002C that does not have or supports contamination.   Free Liquids Flowing liquids such as migrating flood water and sewage in and under buildings that have not been controlled%u002C stopped or abated.   Free Moisture Water in the form of water vapour in air%u002C that can pass freely from one atmosphere to another%u002C or from a wet material to another via air pathways. Restorative Drying Note%u003A With a change in temperature%u002C free moisture in air can collect and condensate on and in wall cavities%u002C and with another change of temperature%u002C condensate water is allowed to become free moisture once again.   Free Radicles Unstable atoms or molecules that are highly reactive and are short-lived. For example%u002C the use of ozone generators for odor control that produce free radicle 03 molecules for the purpose of changing or altering other molecules.   Free Water Education Note%u003A 1%u0029 In flooded buildings%u002C it is the standing water that is easiest to remove. 2%u0029 In some wood and the cut of the wood%u002C free water is moisture held in the lignin cells of the wood%u002C which will easily evaporate. Bound water in wood is opposite of free water. See Bound Water   Free-Living Organisms The ability of bacteria%u002C yeasts%u002C fungi%u002C viruses and parasites to live freely in a host environment%u002C such as a sewage contaminated building.   Freeze-Drying A freezing method along with vacuum pressure%u002C which controls and allows humidity and moisture to be extracted from a content or a material%u002C such as wet books and papers.   Frequency The number of vibrations%u002C waves%u002C or cycles of any periodic phenomenon per second. In architectural acoustics%u002C the interest lies in the audible frequency range of 20 to 20%u002C000 cps Hertz %u0028cycles per second%u0029. See Decibel   Frequency Spectrum Usually a visual representation of a complex sound or noise which has been resolved into frequency components. The detailed nature of a complex sound may be studied by obtaining its frequency spectrum. Frequency spectra are commonly obtained in octave bands%u002C 1/3 octave bands%u002C and various narrow bands.   Fretting Corrosion A paint condition brought about between the interface of two contacting surfaces such as paint and metal%u002C that is accelerated by the relative motion between them%u002C resulting in a loss of surface tension producing slippage.   Friction In HVAC systems%u002C the resistance found at the duct and piping walls. Resistance creates a static pressure loss in systems. The primary purpose of a fan or pump is to produce a design volume of fluid at a pressure equal to the frictional resistance of the system and the other dynamic pressure losses of the components.   Frost Ice crystal deposits formed by sublimation when the temperature and dew point are below freezing. See Sublimation   FRP %u0028Fibreglass Wall Covering%u0029 Fiberglass wall coverings which are water and moisture proof%u002C and are industry referred to by the acronym - FRP. FRP is identified as a wall covering in office%u002C hotel and commercial bathrooms. FRP is found in commercial kitchens and in laboratories%u002C and FRP can be a wall finish anywhere where water can splash or where dirt can become a maintenance issue%u002C such as in pre-schools and hospitals. Education Note%u003A In water damage claims FRP is a problem%u002C because it is glued to drywall and other wall materials which become wet. Quite often after a flood%u002C mold will be found on the drywall paper and behind the FRP. In most situations where water migrates behind the FRP and drywall%u002C an air hole can be cut through the FRP and drywall%u002C at the base%u002C allowing for appropriate wall drying. If the FRP is impeding the wall drying process%u002C or it is known or suspect of supporting mold growth%u002C the FRP most often will be removed and replaced%u002C after the restorative drying or mould remediation problem is mitigated.   Fuel Sources a%u0029 In water damaged buildings%u002C the ability of organisms to have protein as a fuel source to survive by. b%u0029 In a fire damage%u002C it is the oxygen enriched atmosphere and carbon based materials that are used to supply heat to a fire.   Fugitive Building Emissions Fumes%u002C vapours%u002C gases and chemical toxins that emanate from the exhaust of a building as a normal condition of the buildings function. Most emissions are power generated exhaust emissions%u002C but emissions can also be other pollutants and airborne contaminates exuded from a building. See Emissions   Full-Body Covering Dural Fungal Abatement The wearing of the most appropriate disposable coveralls or protective suit%u002C neck%u002C ear and head covering%u002C eye protection%u002C gloves and boots%u002C along with respiratory protection.   Full-scale Containment and Correction In fungal contamination%u002C full-scale containment and correction are the appropriate steps necessary%u002C including those commensurate with fungi contaminated building materials having mass-amounts of visible fungi or from testing and laboratory analysis%u002C which indicates that a particular fungi is present and is known to release dangerous toxins. In these situations full-scale containment and correction must include asbestos abatement techniques for the containment and removal of fungi contaminated building materials. %u0028Ref%u003A Morey%u002C 1994%u003B Weber and Martinez%u002C 1996%u003B ACGIH Bioaerosol - Assessment and Control%u002C 1999%u0029. See Containment-Unit Cleaning and Decontamination%u002C Critical Barrier during Fungi Abatement%u002C Decontamination Unit during Fungi Abatement%u002C Full-body Covering during Fungi Abatement%u002C Full-scale Fungal Decontamination Unit%u002C Negative Air Pressure during Fungi Abatement%u002C Occupational Exposures during Fungal Remediation%u002C Perimeter Area Cleaning from Fungal Contamination%u002C Visible Fungi Contamination   Full-scale Fungal Decontamination Unit A decontamination unit made from PVC pipe and plastic sheeting%u002C wood frame and plastic sheeting%u002C or a pre-manufactured unit for employees who actively are involved at a full-scale fungal abatement work site. Typically like in asbestos abatement%u002C the decontamination unit consists of three chambers or small shower size rooms. The rooms are%u003A %u00281%u0029 as you are entering the first cubical%u002C a donning of PPE equipment%u003B %u00282%u0029 a pass-through shower%u003B and %u00283%u0029 a pass-through cubical%u003B and in reverse as you are leaving%u002C %u00283%u0029 a doffing room and removal of PPE%u003B %u00282%u0029 the shower%u003B and %u00281%u0029 donning clean and dry street clothing. Depending on the size of the operation%u002C there may be a separate equipment pass-through and air lock. General Mitigation Note%u003A As mandated in asbestos abatement and decontamination%u002C and which should be required in full-scale fungal abatement and decontamination operations%u002C the decontamination unit is to be constructed and installed between the entry and exit of the remediation area%u002C or between the secondary containment-unit and access to a control area. Health and Safety Note%u003A Unlike asbestos abatement%u002C in fungi abatement%u002C there is no scientific evidence at present to say that the use of the shower room%u002C is either a direct ir indirect health benefit to the worker%u002C except possibly related to the general hygiene of the worker who most likely is saturated with sweat and they could benefit from a shower. Fungi Mitigation Note%u003A It is recommended in the book Bioaerosols%u003A Assessment and Control%u002C ...during fungal abatement%u002C that properly bagged waste can be passed directly through the decontamination unit. The bag%u0028s%u0029 surfaces are to be HEPA vacuumed before transport into uncontaminated parts of the building. Waste bags are to be removed by the most direct exit route... and without disturbance and exposure to occupants remaining in the building%u005D. See Containment-Unit Cleaning and Decontamination%u002C Critical Barrier during Fungi Abatement   Fume a%u0029 Odours in the presence of gas or vapours that can be offensive and suffocating. b%u0029 Airborne solid particles usually less than 1 micrometer %u0028um%u0029 in size formed by condensation of vapors%u002C sublimation%u002C distillation%u002C calcination%u002C or chemical reaction.   Fungal Infections Disease to the skin%u002C cells and other organs. Fungal infections in humans are called mycosis.   Fungi Fungi are the class and group of organisms studied by mycologists. 1%u0029 Fungi may be filamentous form or single cells%u002C such as yeasts. a%u0029 Moulds and mildews are also fungi%u002C and so are yeasts and mushrooms. b%u0029 Fungi are plants that lack chlorophyll%u002C and they do not grow like normal plants. Education Note%u003A 2%u0029 Fungi in water damage buildings are large heterogeneous group of eukaryotic organisms. a%u0029 Most fungi are saprophytes%u002C they feed off of dead decaying organic material. b%u0029 Fungi will grow on wet building materials such as wood%u002C drywall and cellulose. c%u0029 Fungi are the primary cause of rotting%u002C degradation and decomposition of organic materials. Health Note%u003A 3%u0029 Fungi can also release mycotoxins and other toxins%u002C which when breathed%u002C are known to cause health impairments%u002C asthma and allergies in humans and animals. See Mould   Fungicide An EPA registered disinfectant that kills fungus%u002C yeasts and mould.   Fungus and Wood Decay Fungi specific to wood decay %u0028wet-rot and dry-rot%u0029%u002C includes many of the known fungal species. Dry-Rot fungi is a particular type of wood rot%u002C and the fungi scientific name is Merulius lacrymans. Wet-Rot fungi is another type of fungi%u002C its scientific name is Coniophora cerebella. See Dry-Rot%u002C Wet-Rot%u002C Poria incrassata   Furniture Articles of convenience that are used to furnish a home or office. They are usually independent from permanent installations and fixtures.   Furniture Blocks Polystyrene or wood blocks that are used to elevate and keep furniture%u002C up and out of a flooded environment. Restorative Drying Note%u003A Properly used%u002C furniture blocks reduce wicking of water and moisture into furniture and they stop rust marks from occurring from metal furniture.   Furniture Damage Physical damage to a section or piece of furniture. Furniture damage may be the loss of integrity from high humidity%u002C contact with water%u002C swelling%u002C loss of colour or finish. Damage may be caused by a fire that results in temporary and some times permanent damage to the furniture. Insurance companies reserve their right to attempt the repair and restoration of damaged furniture or replacement with like kind and quality.   Furniture Protectors Foil or plastic tabs that are properly placed under furniture%u002C resulting in providing a protective barrier between the furniture and a moisture source.