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IICRC %u0028The Institute of Inspection%u002C Cleaning and Restoration Certification%u0029 %u0028Phone 360/693-5675 or 800/344-6172%u0029. The primary organization for water damage and mold remediation professionals throughout the U.S.%u002C Canada and Europe. IICRC publishes the Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration called the S500-94 and the more recent Revised Second Edition called S500-99.   Immediate Danger to Life and Health %u0028IDLH%u0029 a%u0029 The maximum air concentration of a chemical substance from which a healthy person could escape within a 30-minute exposure without irreversible adverse health effects or experiencing impaired health conditions. b%u0029 An atmospheric concentration of any toxic%u002C corrosive or asphyxiant substance that poses an immediate threat to life or would cause irreversible or delayed adverse health effects or would interfere with an individual%u0027s ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere. Health and Safety Note%u003A Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to live or health%u002C is an immediate hazard that must be avoided. IDLH means any condition that is an immediate or delayed threat to life%u003B or that would cause permanent%u002C negative health effects%u003B or that would interfere with a worker%u0027s ability to escape or leave a work area without help.   Immune-Compromised Persons Individuals whose natural immune system is impaired for a number of reasons including sickness and disease%u002C and may be possibly induced by their environment.   Immune-System Toxin Any toxin%u002C including fungal toxins%u002C which are allowed to enter the body through inhalation%u002C ingestion or absorption%u002C and has effected the immune system or has the ability to damage components of the immune system.   Impact Loads Forces imposed on a structure by solid objects or masses carried by water or wind.   Impermeability A characteristic of some building materials to hold off and retard moisture and vapour absorption and adsorption. Impermeable building materials are designed to limit the passage of water%u002C gases%u002C vapours and other fluids. See Moisture Impermeable Building Materials%u002C Permeability%u002C Permeability Factor   Impetigo A highly contagious skin infection most often found on small children. Impetigo infection is caused by bacteria entering the skin through a sore%u002C cut%u002C rash%u002C wound or an area affected by eczema. Health and Safety Note%u003A Sewage remediation technicians must recognize%u002C doctors have identified impetigo source transmission in several instances%u002C as associated with sewage contaminated carpet that was not properly cleaned and sanitized. See Fomites%u002C Infection   Improper Dehumidification In water damage mitigation%u003A a%u0029 Improper dehumidification is any attempt by a professional to warrant a building atmosphere and wet wall cavities to be dry%u002C for which in fact they are not. b%u0029 Improper dehumidification is the undersized utilization and application of dehumidification equipment or engineering controls. c%u0029 Improper dehumidification can result in mold and fungi growth%u002C which were not there prior to the flooding event.   Improper Drainage Any cause or condition which water is allowed to collect%u002C stand%u002C set%u002C pool%u002C backflow%u002C bubble%u002C remain brackish and bound%u002C or other conditions which do not allow for the movement of water away from a property or building in a relatively short period of time before damage occurs. Improper drainage in water restoration services in wet buildings%u002C are those conditions which allow water and humidity to remain trapped or held back.   Improper Sewage Clean-up From sewage backflows into and under buildings%u002C after the clean-up and removal of sewage water and effluents%u002C improper sewage clean-up is the continued presence of any coliform bacteria.   Improper Slope and Grade Improper slope and grade of a property is that slope and grade which is pitched towards the building. Improper slope and grade results in rain water%u002C standing water and sprinkler water to migrate or flow back towards a structure.   Improper Water Damage Clean-up In water damage mitigation%u002C after the water from a flood event has been removed and the building appears dry. Improper water damage cleanup is any condition which allows a structure or contents to remain wet or damp%u002C resulting in further building and contents damage%u002C mold growth or wet environments that result in occupant illness. See Consequential Damage%u002C Secondary Damage%u002C Sick Buildings   Imunity The power of a body to successfully fight-off and resist infection%u002C and the effects of toxins. Immunity and resistance results from the possession of sufficient antibodies to ward and defend the body during infection.   in situ Meaning%u002C in place. Such as certain environmental tests that are gathered in place or in situ. Mitigation Note%u003A Sewage sampling or clearance swab testing are acquired in situ%u002C or at the place where the contamination is suspected.   In vitro a%u0029 Experiments and laboratory analysis conducted in petri dishes%u002C test tubes%u002C etc. b%u0029 An artificial growing environment that is not inside an organism.   In vivo Testing and laboratory analysis inside an organism or cell.   Inches of Water %u0028In. W.G.%u0029 A unit of pressure equal to the pressure exerted by a column of liquid water 1 inch high at a temperature of 39.2%u00B0F.   Inches of Water Column A measurement unit used in measuring pressure. One inch of water column equals a pressure of 0.25 kPa %u00280.036 lb per sq in.%u0029.   Incidental Release An incidental release is one that does not cause a health or safety hazard to employees and does not need to be cleaned up immediately to prevent death or serious injury to employees.   Incremental Carcinogen or Pathogen Risk Levels The potential for incremental human carcinogenic and pathogenic effects%u002C over background cancer occurrence%u002C disease and illness levels%u002C due to exposure to the chemical%u0028s%u0029%u002C toxins or pathogens of concern.   Incremental Increase The allowable increase of ambient air concentrations of certain pollutants over their baseline levels established for a building. See Baseline   Independent Adjuster A trained individual in insurance loss appraisal who is often licensed by the state they work in. Independent adjusters%u002C unlike company staff adjusters must often carry errors and omissions insurance. Independent adjusters are either self-employed or they work for an independent adjusting company%u002C who are retained by one or more insurance companies on a contract or loss-by-loss basis. See Company Adjuster   Indicator Organism a%u0029 The presence of a particular microorganism having a certain quantity%u002C which can indicate a level of contamination by an indicator microorganism. b%u0029 The presence of certain microorganisms whose existence in an area is indicative of specific environmental conditions.   Indigenous Organisms a%u0029 Resident microorganisms which are commonly found in the building in controlled amounts. b%u0029 Indigenous resident organisms will not cause harm to persons in well maintained and clean buildings. See Resident Organisms   Indirect Exposure Pathways An exposure pathway with at least one intermediate release to any media%u002C or and intermediate biological transfer step%u002C between the source and the points%u0028s%u0029 of exposure. For example%u002C airborne toxins and biological contaminates%u002C carried from the source to other areas of the building%u002C where an exposure occurred.   Indoor Air Pollution Those microorganisms%u002C vapours%u002C gasses and airborne pollutants which have increased indoor air contaminates to unacceptable levels.   Indoor Air Quality Mission Statement A written statement that particularly speaks about the cleanliness and thermal comfort levels in the building throughout the year. The mission statement must available to building employees along with references to other documents%u002C such as the Voluntary Protection Program %u0028VPP%u0029 and a Total Quality Management Program %u0028TQMP%u0029.   Indoor Air Quality Profile Survey An IAQ profile survey is a description of the features of the building structure%u002C function%u002C and occupancy that impact indoor air quality. It is best recommended that commercial building owners%u002C managers and engineers have completed the EPA recommendations for an indoor air quality profile%u002C survey or audit%u002C before there become an IAQ problem or complaint. See Phase-1   Indoor Environmental Quality %u0028IEQ%u0029 The relationship between fresh indoor air makeup and contaminates as pollutants. The key concerns of maintaining good IEQ start at the design%u002C engineering%u002C construction/installation%u002C first-use%u002C general occupancy loads and the continuous maintenance of a building and its systems.   Induction The relationship between fresh indoor air makeup and contaminates as pollutants. The key concerns of maintaining good IEQ start at the design%u002C engineering%u002C construction/installation%u002C first-use%u002C general occupancy loads and the continuous maintenance of a building and its systems.   Industrial Hygienist A person who possesses knowledge in engineering%u002C chemistry%u002C physics%u002C biology%u002C medicine or related physical and biological sciences%u002C and who by virtue of special studies and training%u002C has acquired competence in industrial hygiene. See %u0028CIH%u0029 Certified Industrial Hygienist   Industrial Sewage Waste that is generated by industry. In all instances%u002C the dumping of waste%u002C other than human waste in toilets%u002C is forbidden. Yet%u002C there are permits that industrial users pay for which allow them to dump certain types of non-recyclable waste into a treatable sewer system. Mitigation Note%u003A Not usually considered%u002C industrial and medical waste also travels through the same sewer pipes as household domestic waste. Depending on the agency and their interpretation%u002C industrial and commercial sewage are the same%u002C and this sewage may or may not require regulation in certain districts. See Commercial Sewage%u002C Discharge%u002C Domestic Sewage%u002C Medical Waste   Inert Building materials as substances which do not normally react chemically%u002C or are effected by microscopic growth%u002C as long as they are used within manufacturer standards.   Inevitable Occurrence Based on the situation%u002C inevitable occurrence is the unavoidable and predictable development of an action%u002C circumstance or disaster%u002C that will have and result in a known conclusion. Contractor Note%u003A A water damaged building having high humidity%u002C will result in mold growth%u002C if the building is allowed to stay wet and humid.   Infection Entrance into the body by any means which viruses%u002C bacteria%u002C fungi and yeasts are allowed to enter the body as a host%u002C causing damage to skin cell%u002C organs%u002C immune system%u002C and the body as a whole.   Infectious Virus%u002C bacteria%u002C fungus%u002C or protozoa than cause a person or building material to produce or result in a disease.   Infectious Liquid Infectious liquids to remediation contractors usually includes human blood and other body fluids%u002C sewage and other liquid waste that are known to be able to produce disease.   Infectious Waste a%u0029 Medical waste and other regulated waste including bloodborne pathogens. Health and Safety Note%u003A Sewage itself%u002C is not an infectious regulated waste%u002C except when it enters fresh and salt water streams%u002C and open bodies of water. Sewage effluents effecting buildings is a direct health concern%u002C since sewage contamination is known to result in infections and disease.   Infestation Invasion of the body surfaces by parasite-like mites%u002C ticks%u002C fleas%u002C to ringworms. See Rickettsia   Infiltration a%u0029 The wind along with outdoor air pollution %u0028pollens%u002C dusts%u002C dirt and gases%u0029 that enter a building. b%u0029 Entrainment of water into buildings from wind driven rains%u002C hillside erosion and floods. c%u0029 Sewer system backups into and under buildings. See Exfiltration   Infiltration In energy surveys of a building%u002C infiltration includes air leakage inward from outside sources that result in leakage through cracks and interstitial spaces%u002C such as ceilings%u002C floors and walls of a building.   Inflatable Blatters A term used in the ventilation cleaning business for thick balloon-like air blatters. The inflatable blatters once filled%u002C block off up stream air and particulates%u002C making the cleaning of ducts easier. The thick blatters are usually covered with two-layers of puncture-resistant outer cloth layers. They are reusable and come with an air valve and quick deflate cap. Contact Indoor Environmental Solutions for more information. 800/288-382   Ingestion a%u0029 The taking of a substance by mouth. b%u0029 Hand and mouth contact with each other.   Initial Site Assessment The initial assessment is an site-inspection plan devised solely for the purpose of gaining factual information%u002C both historical and current information about a previous or on-going event%u002C based on the initial understanding of the site. Education Note%u003A The initial site assessment may include other elements%u002C such as identifying potential exposure issues of the pathways and exposure evaluation. Information collected during the initial site assessment may identify incomplete exposure pathways that may eliminate the need for any further evaluation of one or more exposure pathways at the site.   Initiator The causation or trigger of an environmental problem or exposure%u002C to a building and/or its occupants.   Injectidry A trapped moisture ventilating system. A Trademarked machine that introduces forced air into wall cavities for the purpose of drying wet wall cavities within an acceptable drying period. The difference between the Injectidry and its competitors%u002C the manufacturer states%u002C the forced air and negative air drying system is more reliable and heavy duty%u002C and the Injectidry provides better performance in drying not just wet wall cavities%u002C but behind valuable built-in cabinets%u002C tile%u002C wall paper%u002C and the drying of hardwood floors. See TurboVent%u002C Wallintruder   Injury Direct damage or harm to the body from a blunt or piercing blow%u002C infection or any other violent act that produces damage to the body.   Inland Marine Insurance Policy Also known as an equipment floater. An insurance policy which contractors have that provides equipment content coverage while you are away and in transit from your office or primary base of operation. There are generally two types of valuation methods for claims settlement with an inland marine policy. Replacement Cost %u0028RC%u0029 and Actual Cash Value %u0028ACV%u0029. Replacement cost is the cost to replace %u0027old%u0027 tools with %u0027new%u0027 tools at their current replacement price%u002C without deducting for depreciation. Actual cash value is arrived at by taking the replacement cost and deducting the depreciation brought about by any physical wear and obsolescence when applicable. Replacement cost coverage is generally more expensive than actual cash value.   In-Plant Cleaning and Restoration Items and materials that are removed to a plant environment for the purpose of cleaning%u002C decontamination and restoration%u002C under a controlled and supervised surrounding. See On-Site   Insecticide Any material or agent capable of killing insects and other living organisms. Insecticides usually has stable compounds to last for a long time. Insecticides must be used properly because they can be improperly used resulting in damage to the balance of nature and are harmful to humans and animals. Biocides and fungicides are types of insecticides.   Inspection and Maintenance %u0028I%u0026M%u0029 Building maintenance programs that are designed to help buildings to be more energy efficient and stay healthy. Usually the I%u0026M is conducted by the building engineering staff who keep permanent records on all I %u0026 M inspections and service   Institutional Controls A legal or administrative restriction on the use of%u002C or access to a site%u002C facility or area%u002C to eliminate or minimize potential exposures to a particular contaminate of concern.   Insulation 1%u0029 Building insulation is typically fiberglass%u002C cellulosic materials%u002C and sometimes rigid or blown-in urethane foam%u002C having an average thermal rating of R-11%u002C R-13%u002C R-19 or R-30. Construction Note%u003A Building insulation is found in exterior walls and attics%u002C and sometimes under the floor joists of sub-floors. Wall insulation is found in the UBC Codes and meets different ASTM Standards. 2%u0029 Building insulation is any other property that provides moisture and thermal protection for a building. Safety and Construction Note%u003A Wind driven rains to fog%u002C will not enter the building%u002C based on its design and engineering. This design and engineering of protecting the building atmosphere cannot take into account indoor water damages. Indoor water damages are considered sealed in a tight buildings insulated envelope%u002C having no reasonable method of escape%u002C either for the water%u002C vapour%u002C humidity and condensation. Once building insulation become wet%u002C they must be investigated immediately and determined the best method for drying and dehumidification before mould and secondary building damage occur. Refer to the Moisture Control Handbook by Joseph Lstiburek%u003B and Restorative Drying by Claude Blackburn%u002C See Condensation%u002C Dehumidification%u002C Drywall%u002C Wall Cavities%u002C Water Damage   Insurance The act or policy of insuring. A policy made by an agent or broker and the person who is now called the policy holder and insured. The insured has insurance to protect them against certain or specific perils.   Insurance Agent An insurance agent of a company or an independent agent of several insurance companies%u002C who acts as the salesperson for the carrier.   Insurance Broker An insurance broker who ordinarily sells and negotiates insurance coverage between a potential insured and many insurance companies. See Insurance Agent   Insurance Coverage That portion of an insurance policy which allows for insurance to be provided%u002C as defined by the insurance policy and endorsements. See Insurance Policy Agreement   Insurance Definitions The specific terms and descriptions of terms used in the declarations of an insurance policy. Education Note%u003A In the insurance policy%u002C the words you and your mean the named insured and spouse%u002C if a resident of the same household. The words we%u002C us and our mean the Insurance Carrier of the policy that provides insurance coverage. Refer to the Appendix Section at the end of this dictionary.   Insurance Policy Agreement Means the legal contract agreement between the insurance company and the insured%u002C as provided for in the declarations of the policy during the enforcement period%u002C to which the insurance carrier has agreed to pay for damage and repair as described in the policy. In return%u002C the insured has agreed to pay the premiums and comply with all policy conditions   Insurance to Value The relationship of the amount of insurance as compared to replacement cost on the covered policy   Insured A land owner%u002C named individual%u002C family member under the age of 21%u002C organization or corporation%u002C that is covered under the terms of an insurance policy.   Insured Location The residence%u0028s%u0029 or business%u0028s%u0029 address as so named on an insurance policy.   Insured%u0027s Duties After Loss The responsibility of an insured%u002C as outlined in the policy which typically includes%u002C 1%u0029 Making any emergency repairs needed to protect the property from further damage and keep all records and repair costs. 2%u0029 Give a phone call or written notice to the insurer or the agent without unnecessary delay. 3%u0029 Make a list of all damage or destroyed personal property showing in detail the quantity%u002C description%u002C actual cash value and amount of loss. Attach bills%u002C receipts and related records that support a claim.   Insurer%u0027s Options in Claims Settlement An insurance policy term meaning%u002C the insurance company reserves their right to repair or replace the damaged property with equivalent property. The insurance company reserves their right to take all or part of the damaged property at the agreed or appraised value. The insurance company will give the insured written notice of their intentions withing 30 days after receipt of the insured%u0027s signed sworn statement of loss occurs.   Intellinozzle A patented duct cleaning devise by Indoor Environmental Solutions %u0028800/288-3828%u0029 that has forward and reverse air blasting action and an ultra small black and white video camera mounted in the nozzle to view the areas to be cleaned or were just cleaned. The Intellinozzle doubles as an inspection device%u002C that can inspect inside building cavities. See Video Inspection   Intentional Acts In insurance claims settlement%u002C intentional acts are wilful unlawful acts by an insured or by another person acting with the knowledge of an insured%u002C who directly causes or arranges for a loss to covered property in order to obtain insurance benefits. Intentional acts%u002C automatically voids the policy%u002C and voids all rights of benefits to a loss.   Interim Remedial Action The course of action taken to reduce migration of a chemical%u002C toxin or biological agent in its solid%u002C airborne%u002C vapour%u002C dissolved or liquid phase%u002C or an action reducing the concentration of the contaminate or agent at a source area.   Interleaving Use of blotting paper or paper towels%u002C freezer paper%u002C etc. to prevent pages sticking or dye running.   Intoxiation Source Source A description of where toxins are allowed to enter a human and cause damage to the body cells. For example%u002C E. coli%u002C botulism%u002C hepatitis and tetanus intoxication source are through skin or by mouth%u002C while Aspergillosis and Legionella intoxication sources are inhalation.   Introduction Letter The introduction letter is an opening statement by the emergency contractor%u002C mitigation contractor%u002C investigator or adjuster%u002C that gives the history%u002C potential cause and result of a claim%u002C as the facts are known%u002C based on current information%u002C at the time the introduction letter was written. Contractor Administrative Note%u003A The introduction letter is an opening statement about the claim and your participation with the claim%u002C that is attached to the beginning of your estimate or billing.   Invasive Inspections Building material investigations where cabinets%u002C carpet%u002C drywall and other building materials%u002C require detachment or penetration.   Inventory A listing and grouping of articles and furniture located in a building. Education Note%u003A The listing of articles often accompanies an individual item-by-item along with their condition. The grouping of articles and furniture are list per-type%u002C such as all the pictures located on the walls%u002C or a group%u002C such as all the contents found in one room. The easiest method of documenting an inventory%u002C is video-documentation. Video-inventory is a 3-dimension real-time inventory of each item or group%u002C where the owner or video person can talk over the video%u002C while speaking about each piece or group and their condition. See Video-Documentation   Iodophor A disinfecting iodine solution that is widely used but it leaves a residual red-stain.   Ion An electrically charged atom. An atom that has lost one or more of its electrons is left with a positive electrical charge. Those that have gained one or more extra electrons are left with a negative charge. Building materials during a fire are affected by ionization. Cleaning agents are affected by ions. And Some deodorization processes use ionization as a neutralizer.   Ionization The process whereby one or more electrons is removed from a neutral atom by the action of radiation. Specific ionization is the number of ion pairs per unit distance in matter%u002C usually air. The ionization process can separate%u002C convert or bond together molecules.   Irritant a%u0029 Any agent or substance which produces a sensation to the human body. b%u0029 Any agent or substance which causes a reaction%u002C including inflammation to the eyes%u002C skin%u002C sensory or respiratory system. c%u0029 Any agent or substance%u002C whether real or perceived%u002C which can cause an adverse human response.   Ischemia The loss of the blood supply to a particular part of the body.   Isolation An area%u002C room or environment which has been separated%u002C partitioned and sealed off from other areas%u002C rooms and environments. Typically%u002C isolation means Do Not Enter%u002C or a Restricted Environment. Isolation may be interpreted as a Permit Required Confined Space Entry. See Caution%u002C Confined Space%u002C Do Not Enter%u002C Permit Required Confined Space   Isothermic An adjective used to indicate a change taking place at constant or average temperature. Having or indicating equal temperatures.   Isothermic Curve In restorative drying%u002C a line or curve connecting two points on a psychometric chart or graph%u002C measuring changes of the pressure and/or humidity%u002C with the temperature at a constant.