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Laboured Breathing The condition starts with an increase in the breathing rate. Breathing then becomes laboured and more rapid. Going to an outside fresh air source and sitting down may aid you in regaining your breath. Health Note%u003A The cause of laboured breathing most likely is a result of poor health%u002C lack of exercise%u002C or smoking. In the mitigation and restoration industry it can be due to the type of the work%u002C and amount of exertion%u002C resulting in exhaustion and heat stress. Laboured breathing by technicians can be due to the inhalation of airborne contaminates from not wearing a respirator or wearing the appropriate respirator%u002C having the wrong filters on the respirator%u002C or wearing the respirator improperly. See Occupational Related Respiratory Diseases   Laminar Air Flow Streamlined airflow in which the entire body of air within a designated space moves with uniform velocity in one direction along parallel flow lines.   Laminar Flow The smooth%u002C non-turbulent flow of air through supply air ventilation ducts into a building air space.   Laminate A word that describes the term%u002C to join and bond together.   Laminated Material A material such as wood%u002C that is bonded together in composite layers. Education Note%u003A Plywood is a laminate%u002C whereas each layer is cross-laid over itself%u002C with adhesives and glues%u002C increasing the structural stability and strength of the composite plywood laminated material.   Latent Damage Material damage that is not yet apparent%u002C but which may become obvious%u002C at some future time. See Latent Period%u002C Secondary Damage   Latent Heat In HVAC%u002C the heat required to change the state of a substance as in changing water to steam.   Latent Period a%u0029 The time between exposures and response to an exposure. b%u0029 The time between exposure to a dangerous substance and the development of disease or infection. c%u0029 In water damaged buildings%u002C the latent time between an exposure from a flood and material damage%u002C caused as a result of the flood events direct relationship with water%u002C resulting in swelling%u002C or water%u002C resulting in fungi growth.   Latex Related to carpets%u002C latex is described as the rubbery-like liquid that is found between the primary and secondary backing of a carpet. Education Note%u003A With water damage carpets%u002C watery-base latex may breakdown%u002C resulting in the repair or replacement of some carpets.   Latex Paint A description of a water or oil-base paint%u002C that is used on walls and ceilings materials to protect them from exposure. Education Note%u003A Most exposure are associated with humidity in bathrooms and showers%u002C where the excess humidity is on the painted surface side%u002C and kitchens where oils and grease are on the painted side. Restorative Drying Note%u003A In water damage mitigation%u002C latex paint inhibits wall and ceiling drying%u002C trapping in the humidity and high vapor pressure%u002C inside wall and ceiling cavities. All cove and corner base must be removed from latex-base painted walls%u002C and dehumidification and drying methods must be implemented to assist in drying behind the latex paint%u002C before the walls start growing fungi and mould.   Lawyer Individuals%u002C partnerships and corporations who are licensed and practice to state and sometimes federal rules%u002C laws and regulations. Some lawyers are specialists in environmental tort law. During a dispute between two or more parties about environmental related problems%u002C it is important to retain the best environmental lawyer to plead your case. Some lawyers are specialists in construction defect claims%u002C they should be retained for construction related defect claim cases.   Leach The ability of a material to dissolve out soluble parts%u002C such as running water slowly across and through contaminated soil.   Leachable The suspended solids and liquids that are able to be removed from a contaminated material.   Leachate Collection System An engineered system of pipes and reservoirs in land%u002C which is designed to accumulate and remove water that migrates through waste   Leachate Contamination a%u0029 Sewage water and effluents which has somehow escaped and migrated from their disposal site into fields%u002C property and buildings. b%u0029 The suspended sewage fluids that contain dissolved liquids and solids which have passed through the sewer system%u002C and which has caused damaged to property.   Lead-Base Paint A painted material surface that contains lead-base paint. Homes and business buildings pre-1978 are all suspect of having and containing lead-base paint. Mitigation and Safety Note%u003A Under new EPA regulations %u0028TSCA 406B%u0029%u002C no home or business can be sold or rented without disclosure of lead-base paint. No renovations in dwellings and businesses older than 1978 can be completed without testing the painted surfaces for lead. If lead-base paint is detected%u002C the paint and paint dust can be a health concern. If you or your client has questions call 800/424-LEAD.   Legionella Pneumonphila The bacterium that causes legionnaire%u0027s disease%u002C resulting in a form of debilitating pneumonia. Legionella pneumonphila infection occurs by inhaling vaporized contaminated water droplets in air%u002C usually from poorly maintained air-conditioning systems. The Legionella bacteria has been found in shower heads and in jacuzzi%u002C which have resulted in sickness and death.   Lethal Dose An absorbed amount of chemical%u002C toxin or other agent%u002C sufficient enough to cause and result in premature death.   Levolor A popular manufacturer of window blinds and other types of widow coverings. For more information and the purchase of repair kits%u002C contact Levolor at 1-800-LEVOLOR or www.levolor.com.   Licensed Public Adjusters Licensed public adjusters are licensed and registered in the state%u0028s%u0029 they work in. Licensed public adjusters do not work for the insurer%u002C licensed public adjusters work directly for the insured on a contract basis.   Lien A registered document filed with the county or state%u002C that says in brief%u002C ...the contractor has a legal claim to the property they are providing services at...%u002C based on contract provisions and state regulations. See Lien Release   Lien Release A legal document%u002C as per State Codes%u002C which spells out the release of a lien on a property. In addition%u002C no employer is allowed to sign away an employees rights to a Mechanic%u0027s Lien%u002C if the employee has not been paid by the employer. Legal Note%u003A In California under the Labor Code 206.5%u002C no employer shall require the execution of any release of any claim or right on account of wages due%u002C or to become due%u002C or made as an advance on wages to be earned%u002C unless payment of such wages has been made. Any release required or executed in violation of the provisions of this section shall be null and void as between the employer and the employee and the violation of the provisions of this section shall be a misdemeanor. See Conditional Waiver %u0026 Lien Release%u002C Non-Payment of Insurance Claim Debt%u002C Unconditional Waiver %u0026 Lien Release   Lift In restorative drying of wet carpets%u002C lift is a term used to describe the ballooning of a wet carpet as it dries from the back side up through the face fibres with dryer and some times dehumidified air.   Light Cleaning The surface removal of loose debris found on flat surfaces%u002C where normal dust%u002C dirt and lint filter down onto.   Light Wind A term used in carpet cleaning and water extraction as a light aluminum wand%u002C compared to a heavier cleaning and extraction wand%u002C which is usually made with stainless steel.   Lighting and Illumination Protection The appropriate lighting and illumination necessary for the work site. 29 CFR 1926.56.   Lignin A polymer contained in the structure of wood along with cellulose that forms the essential part of the woody tissue%u002C making up the greater part of the weight of dry wood. Mitigation Note%u003A Natural biodegradation of lignin is slow%u002C and it takes place only in aerobic environments. Increased biodegradation and decomposition of wood is a result of fungi infestation. See Bound Water%u002C Poria%u002C Wood Rot   Like Kind and Quality An insurance term used to describe a replacement of a damaged item%u002C with a similar item%u002C having comparable value. Like kind and quality has the acronym of %u0028LKQ%u0029.   Lime A solid to a white powder compound made from calcium carbonate. Dolomite lime is a mined mineral. Mitigation Note%u003A a%u0029 Lime is used in many building materials from drywall to mortar. b%u0029 Bagged lime can be used as a topical disinfectant on sewage damaged ground. It must be mulched and turned in the soil%u002C so that no lime remains visible. c%u0029 Lime is also a good soil stabilizer in contaminated or soft soil. Health and Safety Note%u003A Lime can cause acute and severe health concerns to workers and occupants in building if lime is broadcast sprayed or allowed to aerosolize. Lime in the presence of moisture has a dry state PH of 8%u002C and in the presence of high humidity and moisture lime has PH of about 12.5.   Limonene A chemical degreaser and cleaning agent having a lemon/lime citrus fragrance. Liability and Health and Safety Note%u003A Limonene and D Limonene%u002C have a citrus fragrance that appears to smell fresh once applied%u002C and yet%u002C for some persons who have chemical sensitivities%u002C Limonene is known to suppress or heighten some persons senses%u002C causing them to experience headaches%u002C vomiting%u002C to skin rashes. Caution Note%u003A No Limonene product should be used as a decontamination chemical%u002C cleaning or sanitizing cleanser%u002C without the building owner%u0027s prior approval. See Citrus Cleaning%u002C Heightened Awareness   Linoleum A flooring material that is produced as floor tiles or sheet goods. Linoleum wear layer and backing are the same materials%u002C unlike vinyl flooring which have different primary%u002C backing and finishing materials.   Linoleum Roller A heavy installation tool used to roll-out adhesive under the linoleum. A linoleum roller can be used in water damage mitigation to remove large amounts of saturated water in glue-down carpet or carpet with pad.   Load a%u0029 The amount of solid debris%u002C soil or water%u002C that can be safely loaded and transported in a container. b%u0029 The heavily impacted area having and supporting the most contamination. c%u0029 The forces placed on a building by its weight. d%u0029 The power delivered to an electrical devise through wiring. e%u0029 The amount of pollutants or contaminates in an air space.   Load-Bearing Wall Any wall that supports the weight of vertical building components%u002C including other walls%u002C ceilings%u002C floors and roof.   Localised Containment and Correction In water damage and fungal mitigation%u002C local or localized containment becomes an isolated localized area of contamination. Properly completed containment and correction can be removed relatively easily with little danger to a trained practitioner%u002C while avoiding spread of the fungi contaminate throughout a larger area. In fungi remediation%u002C localized surface contamination may be achieved by washing and sanitizing a surface followed by immediate towel drying. Health and Safety Note%u003A In fungi remediation%u002C if the fungal contaminate reappears on a surface over a relatively short period of time%u002C this most likely means the fungi is not just a surface contaminate%u002C but it is growing from within the matrix of a wood%u002C drywall or cellulosic building material. Opening up a localized or isolated fungi contaminated building material area must be completed with extreme care%u002C since the proliferation of fungi spores and toxins can be larger in mass from behind the material%u002C and it can be dangerous to the health of the mitigation practitioner and other building occupants. Mitigation Note%u003A Using proper industry standards of care during the removal of a localized fungi contaminated building material. The trained mitigation practitioner must%u003A %u00281%u0029 set in place loose plastic and tape off the area having localized fungi. %u00282%u0029 the practitioner is to cut a hole in the plastic%u002C sufficient enough to place the head of the HEPA vacuum brush in the plastic while maintaining negative air pressure between the surface and plastic sheeting. %u00283%u0029 the practitioner is to vacuum all loose surface visible fungi and spores. %u00284%u0029 only after HEPA vacuuming of the moldy surface%u002C should the material be carefully cut out. %u00285%u0029 the mold contaminated building material is to be carefully plastic bagged%u002C preferably in two bags consisting of 6-mil plastic and the bags are to be closed and tied shut. %u00286%u0029 the remaining building material%u0028s%u0029%u002C including open wall or ceiling cavity%u002C is to be HEPA vacuumed of all dust and spores%u002C whether they are visible or not. If there is insulation behind the material removed%u002C the insulation may be a source of contamination and it too may require careful removal. %u00287%u0029 after HEPA vacuuming%u002C the interior wall cavity or material is to be damp wiped %u0028preferably with a bleach solution%u0029 to remove adherent microscopic dusts%u002C spores and fungal hyphae. The mitigation practitioner must be careful to not over wet the area%u002C avoiding residual microbial contamination growth. %u00288%u0029 attempt a thorough investigation of the wall or ceiling cavity%u002C or other building material%u002C to ascertain why the fungi occurred in the first place. %u00289%u0029 if identification of a defect is present%u002C the causation for the fungi must be corrected. %u002810%u0029 only after correction and careful inspection of the clean %u0028mold free%u0029 and dry building material%u0028s%u0029%u002C should new insulation and other material surfaces be installed. See Full-scale Containment and Correction   Look-Out/Tag-Out Protection The methods and procedures necessary to stop and eliminate electrical hazards%u002C including electrocution and adverting mechanical equipment to be started. Lock-Out/Tag-Out requirements incorporate the use of specific types of lock size%u002C color coding and special lock-out devises%u002C including a lock-out/tag-out log. 29 CFR 1910.147   Loss Mitigation In insurance terms%u002C Loss mitigation are the services necessary to reduce or stop property damage.   Loss of Rents If a covered property loss makes that part of the residence premises rented to others or held for rental by the insured%u002C the insurance policy may cover loss of rents less any expense that does continue during the loss period. The insurance policy may pay for the shortest time needed to a%u0029 repair or replace the damaged property%u002C or b%u0029 permanently relocate%u002C but in no event for more than 12 months. Insurance Note%u003A If there is coverage for 1 and 2 above%u002C the time period is not typically limited by expiration of the policy.   Loss of Use a%u0029 A term in emergency services meaning the temporary or long-term loss of use of an area%u002C property or facility. b%u0029 In insurance policies%u002C loss of use is a type of insurance policy or an addendum to an existing policy%u002C which covers the loss of use of a property because of an insurable event%u002C consequence or damage.   Loss Payment The partial or total settlement agreement for a covered loss minus the deductible%u002C which is made payable to the insured in the form of a draft%u002C unless another payee is named on the policy.   Loss Settlement Loss settlements under the policy are settled either by%u003A 1%u0029Actual Cash Value%u002C which are the current market value for an item or property%u002C minus deduction and/or depreciation%u002C which are limited to the insurance applying to the damaged or destroyed property. 2%u0029 Replacement Cost%u002C which are paid without deduction or depreciation%u002C as outlined in the declarations of the policy.   Loss to a Pair or Set In insurance terminology%u002C the insurance company may elect to repair or replace any part of the pair or set to restore it to its value before the loss%u002C or the insurance company may decide to pay the difference between the actual cash value of the property before and after the loss. A loss to a part may not mean a total loss of the pair or set.   Losses Not Typically Insured In insurance terms%u002C loss not typically insured include%u003A 1%u0029 Earth Movement%u002C acts or omissions of persons can cause%u002C contribute to or aggravate earth movement. Earth movement can occur naturally to cause loss%u002C or combine with acts or omissions of persons to cause loss. Whenever earth movement occurs%u002C the resulting loss is most always excluded under the policy%u002C however caused%u003B except the policy may cover direct loss by fire or explosion resulting from earth movement. 2%u0029 Water Damage%u002C acts or omissions of persons which can cause%u002C contribute to or aggravate water damage. Water damage can occur naturally to cause or combine with acts of omissions or persons to cause loss. Whenever water damage occurs%u002C the resulting loss is most always excluded under a policy%u002C however caused%u003B except the policy may cover direct loss by fire or explosion resulting from water damage. 3%u0029 Other Acts or Omissions of persons include Nuclear hazard%u003B Faulty%u002C inadequate or defective planning%u002C zoning or development%u003B Enforcement of ordinances or laws regulating construction%u003B Interruption of power or other utility%u003B Neglect of an insured%u003B War%u002C including undeclared war%u003B Freezing and discharge of water while the dwelling is vacant%u003B Theft in a building under construction is vacant for more than 30 days%u003B and other losses which are described in the policy.   Low-Level Hazardous Work Environments A work environment that can pose some risk or hazard to life or health%u002C including slips%u002C trips%u002C and falls and electrocution%u002C which are known to be associated with water and fire damaged buildings%u002C and areas having limited waste exposure. If it is determined that hazards exist and they are not removed%u002C the work site may change from being a low-level hazard to a moderate or high hazardous work environment%u002C until the hazard can be controlled or eliminated. See High-Hazardous Level Work Environment%u002C Moderate-Level Hazardous Work Environment.   Lumber Yard Mould Ceratocystis ophiostoma%u002C a common fungi found on cut green pine wood%u002C wet wood in lumber yards%u002C and new wood in buildings. Lumber yard fungi when viable %u0028living%u0029%u002C produces a bluish color staining and when dormant or dead%u002C becomes black in color. Ceratocystis ophiostoma grows on the vascular surface of cut wood%u002C but this fungi does not damage or cause deterioration to the lignins of the wood.   Lumen The flux on one square foot of a sphere%u002C having a one foot radius%u002C with a light source of one foot-candle at the center that radiates equally and uniformly in all directions.