Filters:  #   A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K   L   M   N   O   P   Q   R   S   T   U   V   W   X   Y   Z   All

Main Frame In buildings%u002C the main frame is the main structural components which support all secondary frame components. In computers%u002C the mainframe is a very high speed computer capable of handling multi-tasking. See Components In Place   Malodour An offensive odour from decay and decomposition of organic matter and waste. Some malodours can automatically cause automatic vomiting reactions%u002C and inhalation of malodourous bacteria and viruses%u002C may result in diarrhea and illness. See Odour   Manifest System The regulations applicable to transporters of hazardous waste. Included in hazardous waste which must have a manifest are asbestos and lead-base paint. A company may decide to have their own non-regulated manifest system%u002C to track and control the use of chemicals.   Masking Agents Chemicals containing fragrances that are manufactured to mask offensive malodors%u002C putrid odours%u002C musty odours%u002C and fire odours from being identified for what they truly are. Properly applied with binding odour neutralizers%u002C masking agents can be a benefit in the preliminary odour neutralization phase. Health and Safety Note%u003A Masking agents are unfortunately too widely used by non-professionals. Unsuspecting persons who have allergies and other impairments%u002C may find that masking agents create a false negative sense of smell%u002C that a problem does not exist%u002C for which it actually does. See False Negative   Material Safety Data Sheets %u0028MSDS%u0029 Chemical manufacturer supplied information about physical characteristics%u002C safety%u002C health and reactive data of all chemical ingredients listed. 29 CFR 1910.1200%u0028g1%u0029.   MCL %u0028Maximum Contamination Level%u0029 A Standard for drinking water established by USEPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act which is the maximum permissible level of chemical%u0028s%u0029 of concern in water while is delivered to any user of a public water supply.   MDF %u0028Medium Density Fibreboard%u0029 A pre-cast or molded finishing material made of composite fiberboard%u002C glues and adhesives. Adjuster Note%u003A Most MDF are painted cove and cornice materials. MDF materials take the place of more expensive solid wood coving and cornices. If the base and cornice materials are to be painted%u002C MDF may be a substitute for solid wood. Restorative Drying Note%u003A In water damage restoration%u002C once MDF materials become saturated%u002C they tend to swell anddelaminate easy%u002C and in general%u002C when MDF has had continuous contact with water%u002C where water or moisture remains behind the MDF%u002C the MDF backside readily supports mould growth.   Mean Radiant Temperature Having a value intermediate between the values of two substances or materials. The uniform surface temperature of a radiantly black enclosure in which an occupant would exchange the same amount of radiant heat as in the actual nonuniform space.   Means%u002C Referring to R.S. Means A cost estimating and job-cost accounting software program produced by R.S. Means. Means also produces a field cost estimating book of construction related materials and labor costs. The cost estimating book is published annually.   Mechanical Agitation The preferred method of cleaning a contaminated surface properly. Mitigation Note%u003A a%u0029 Counter and wall mechanical agitation includes scrub brushes%u002C detergents%u002C warm water and rinsing. b%u0029 Mechanical agitation of floors preferably include a floor scrubber with an abrasive stripping pad%u002C detergents%u002C warm water and rinsing. c%u0029 There is a difference of mechanical agitation of a non-porous surface and a porous surface. A non-porous surface such as stainless steel and vinyl flooring%u002C can be cleaned and sanitized having a even cleanliness%u002C while porous surfaces%u002C such as non-sealed concrete%u002C wood subfloors and drywall%u002C cannot be cleaned and sanitized evenly.   Mediation A process by which parties involved in a dispute%u002C submit their dispute to a neutral third party %u0028 the mediator%u0029 who works with the parties to reach a settlement. Mediation is an extension of the negotiation process. Submitting a dispute to a mediator will not cause delay to any pending lawsuit or arbitration. Mediators receive a fee from the parties for their services.   Mediation vs Arbitration The arbitration process is a less formal legal process than litigation%u002C and mediation is even less formal than arbitration. Unlike an arbitrator%u002C a mediator does not have the power to render a binding decision. A mediator does not hold evidentiary hearings as in arbitration%u002C but the mediator conducts informal joint and separate meetings with the parties to understand the issues%u002C facts%u002C positions and differences of the parties. The separate meetings are known as caucuses. In contrast%u002C arbitrators hear testimony and receive evidence in a joint hearing%u002C based on which they render a final and binding decision%u002C known as an award.   Medical Sewage waste Pertaining to the mainline sewer system backups%u003B blood and other potentially infectious %u005Bliquid%u005D materials %u0028OPIM%u0029 and solids%u002C which are allowed to be legally disposed of in sewer systems%u002C including chemotherapy waste that enter a building from a backup. Education Note%u003A Sewage is not classified as medical waste%u002C unless the sewage is coming directly from a medical facility itself%u002C and the sewage is on the property of the medical facility %u0028Bloodborne Pathogen Standard reference%u0029. Health Note%u003A Sewage cleanup emergency response technicians must be extremely careful when responding to sewage backups in or near hospitals%u002C outpatient clinics%u002C laboratories%u002C abortion clinics%u002C morgues%u002C animal hospitals%u002C prisons%u002C long-term care facilities%u002C dental offices and cancer treatment centers. See Sewage   Medical Surveillance Protection In hazardous and potentially environments resulting in potential or known exposures%u002C a medical surveillance protection program must be implemented as part of the HAZCOM requirements. Technician Health Note%u003A Environments having toxics%u002C gas%u002C carcinogens%u002C pathogens and agents%u002C known to cause health%u002C illness and disease impairments%u002C the potentially exposed employees must have a medical surveillance program in place by the employer%u002C before exposing employees to such hazards. Besides employees%u002C quite possibly the environment itself%u002C may require medical surveillance protection and monitoring. 29 CFR 1010.120%u002C and 29 CFR 1910.1030   Melamine A resin impregnated decorative panel that is thermally fused to particleboard for use in the manufacturing of cabinets%u002C bookcases%u002C shelving%u002C desks and storage units. Education Note%u003A In water damage restoration%u002C while the melamine itself is not usually affected by water%u002C the fused particleboard delaminates and swells%u002C and the affected area is usually not cost effective to repair or is repairable by normal restoration means. For more information on melamine contact customer service at 800/829-3648 or www.doable.com.   Mesophilic An organism that grows optimally within the temperature range of 77%u00B0F to 104%u00B0F %u002825%u00B0C to 40%u00B0C%u0029. Organisms that commonly thrive and live in moderate temperatures and humidity for their development. Mesophilic organisms include bacteria%u002C fungi and yeasts which are commonly associated with an indoor environment%u002C and are considered resident to the microflora of the building. See Microflora%u002C Resident Organisms   Metabolic Rate A rate of energy production by the body. Metabolism%u002C which varies with activity%u002C is expressed in met units %u0028metabolic rate units%u0029. One met is defined as 18.4 BTU/h ft2 %u002858.2 W/m2%u0029 which is equal to the energy produced per unit surface area of a seated person at rest. The surface area of an average man is about 19 ft2 %u00281.8 m2%u0029. Education Note%u003A An industrial hygienist may calculate the metabolic rate of workers who appear or who are over exerting them self in certain work activities%u002C such as in chemical protective suits%u002C wearing a respirator or during the performance of certain tasks.   Metal Pan Flooring A galvanized sheet metal used in high-rise buildings as part of the subfloor. On top of the metal pan flooring is a type of poured light-weight concrete slab usually 4%u0022 to 6%u0022 thick. Education Note%u003A Light-weight concrete floors are very porous and in a water damage situation the very porous concrete can retain much of the excess water like a sponge. Further complicating the restorative dry process is the metal pan which can hold and retain large amounts of trapped water. Some subfloors having metal pan flooring and light-weight concrete after a major flood could not have replacement hardwood and vinyl flooring placed on them for months%u002C since the excess moisture as vapor pressure%u002C exceeded manufacturer installation requirements. Unlike pour-in-place concrete slab floor which does not have a metal pan floor%u002C a metal pan floor cannot benefit from drying the concrete slab from a lower floor.   Methods of Investigation Related to indoor air quality inspections%u002C methods of investigation include a review of the history of the building%u003B an on-site physical review of all parts of the building%u003B and scientific monitoring of various parts of the building. Methods of investigation are similar to discovery of medical patient wellness by medical professionals. EPA recommends a Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation %u0028BASE%u0029 Study and Temporal Indoor Monitoring and Evaluation %u0028TIME%u0029 Study as either methods for determining base-lines or in dealing with problem solving.   Methods of Testing Acceptable industry standards and methods of testing for determining the presence/absence of a contaminate. See Bioaerosols%u003A Assessment and Control   Micrclimate The physical conditions limited to a particular habitat%u002C such as in a wet or humidified wall cavity%u002C as compared to corresponding climates of larger areas.   Micro A prefix used in science to denote small or a particulate matter that is less than one millionth in size.   Microbe See Bacteria%u002C Fungi   Microbial Contamination In water damages%u002C microbial contamination is one of several factors%u002C including the presence of certain bacteria%u002C virus and protozoa%u002C or fungi%u002C mould%u002C and yeasts%u002C or their by-products and toxins%u002C which effect the health of the building and its occupants.   Microbial Load The total number of bacteria%u002C fungi and yeasts in a given area or space.   Microbiological Contamination See Microbial Contamination   Microbiology The branch of science which studies living organisms.   Microflora As it relates to the indoor environments of buildings%u002C the normal living resident bacteria%u002C fungi and yeasts commonly found in a healthy building%u0027s surfaces and atmosphere. See Mesophilic%u002C Resident Organisms   Micrometre A unit of length that is 1/1X106 of a meter.   Micron A unit of measure equaling to .0025 inches%u002C or .001 millimetres in length.   Micronutrients Chemical and environmentally produced food-stuffs which microorganisms support their growth by.   Microscope The optical instrument used by trained professionals and microbiologists to determine the physical and biological properties associated with a damage. Microscopes are used to identify asbestos%u002C bacteria%u002C yeasts and fungi to name a few.   Migration The ability of a contaminate such as water%u002C chemical%u002C gas or a vapour%u002C to move away from or out of its source location.   Miicroorganisms A group of small microscopic size organisms which cannot be seen or identified without a microscope.   Mildew Usually designated to those molds that are common in wet damp building environments such as bathrooms and bathroom showers where tile%u002C glass and painted surfaces%u002C harbour soap and soap fatty films%u002C allowing the growth of mildew. Education Note%u003A Mildew is a layman%u0027s term for mold and fungi growth. See Mold and Fungi   Mildew on Pain A condition usually brought about from high humidity and warmth. The mildew is on the surface where dust%u002C dirt and oily surfaces exist%u002C or from behind the paint%u002C where moisture and dirt are on the previous unclean surface%u002C which is allowed to grow the mildew.   Millgrams per Cubic Metre %u0028Mg/m3%u0029 A metric unit used in industrial hygiene to measure air concentrations of dusts%u002C gases%u002C mists%u002C and fumes.   Milli- A prefix denoting one-thousandth.   Milligram %u0028mg%u0029 A unit of weight in the metric system. One thousand milligrams equal one gram or the equivalent to one-thousandth of a gram.   Millilite A metric unit used to measure volume. One millilitre equals one cubic centimeter.   Minimum Transport Velocity %u0028MTV%u0029 The minimum velocity which will transport particles in a duct with little settling%u003B the MTV varies with air density%u002C particulate loading%u002C and other factors.   Mists Aerosolized %u0028airborne%u0029 suspended small particle size droplets of chemical and moisture vapors that linger in air for some time. Some mists are visually apparent when other particulate matter such as dusts are present in the mist%u002C but as a water vapour alone%u002C mists are not easily apparent. Mists are generated from the condensation of gaseous from or to a liquid state%u002C such as by atomizing%u002C splashing or vapourizing. See Aerosols%u002C Bioaerosols   Mite Small minute arachnids%u002C such as dust mites and skin mites. Under a microscope mites look like undefined or well marked small spiders. Larger species of mites which are seen with the eye may be chiggers or ticks. Education Note%u003A Mites in water damaged buildings and in carpets increase in number because of the increased moisture and food sources such as fungi%u002C yeasts and bacteria.   Mitered Corner The 45 degree formation of the corner of a window%u002C door casement or wood framed drawer.   Mitigation Any one of a number of processes necessary for overcoming an environmental problem. The terms for remediation and mitigation are used interchangeably. Education Note%u003A Actions taken by competent trained technicians to reduce and lessen the impact of building damage from flooding and other disasters%u002C and to eliminate secondary damage concerns of a building becoming a future health risk or liability. See Abatement%u002C Remediation   Mitigation Directorate The component within FEMA that is directly responsible for administering the floodplain management aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program.   Mixed Air The part of an HVAC system where the return air %u0028RA%u0029 is mixed with the outside fresh air %u0028OFA%u0029%u003B the air resulting from this mixing is the mixed air.   Mixing of Air An induction method in water damage mitigation to exchange wet air in a building for more dryer air. See Induction%u002C Restorative Drying   Mixing Ratio In a moist air environment%u002C the ratio of the mass of water vapour to the mass of dry air.   Mobilzation Costs The costs and expenses incurred during the assembly of employees and equipment%u002C materials and supplies%u002C prior to the start of scheduled and emergency work. Mobilization costs including transportation%u002C if covered under the terms of the contract%u002C are reimbursable job related costs. See Administrative Costs   Moderate-Level Hazardous Work Environment a%u0029 Work atmospheres and environments which are known to pose some direct risk to life and/or health%u002C if the hazards are not removed and monitored%u002C before employees are allowed to work in such an environment. b%u0029 A work environment requiring engineering controls and personal protective equipment in order for an employee to complete specific work tasks. See High-Hazardous Level Work Environments%u002C Low Level Hazardous Work Environments   Modulate To control a damper or valve so that it may assume any position between full open and full closed%u002C as well as these two positions.   Modulating Control In the HVAC system%u002C a mode of automatic control in which the action of the final control element is proportional to the deviation%u002C from set point%u002C of the controlled medium.   Modulating Controllers Mechanical controllers which constantly reposition themselves in proportion to the requirements of the HVAC system%u002C theoretically being able to maintain an accurately constant condition.   Modulation In HVAC system controls%u002C the adjustment and balance of the system by increments and decrements.   Moisture Control The engineered controls in buildings that are specifically designed to control %u0028regulate%u0029 humidity and temperature. Education Note%u003A Moisture control are the physical building material properties%u002C including but not limited to vapor barrier and insulating properties of exterior walls%u002C floors%u002C ceiling and roof. Refer to the Moisture Control Handbook by Joseph Lstiburek%u002C See Equilibrium Moisture Content%u002C Humidity   Moisture Damage to Paint A condition to paint brought about from underlying moisture affecting the bonding strength of the paint film to its underlying surface. Moisture damage to paint in this instance refers to the peeling%u002C cracking and blistering of the paint film.   Moisture Impermeable Building Materials A characteristic of some building materials to hold off%u002C retard%u002C delay and impede rain water%u002C high moisture and moisture vapour absorption%u002C for a given period of time%u002C while allowing the building material to microscopically breathe. Moisture impermeable building materials are generally limited to materials which are known to retard rain water and water vapor effectively%u002C as calculated by industry standards%u002C outlined in ASTM guidelines. See ASTM%u002C Impermeability   Moisture Meter The moisture measurements of wood%u002C drywall and flooring materials%u002C which are measured using various electrical conductivity instruments. Restorative Drying Note%u003A The results of the moisture meter instruments is a qualitative comparison of wet and dry materials%u002C and the results are expressed as a percentage. Some moisture meters %u0028sensors%u0029 measure the percentage of moisture content in a particular material. In water damages%u002C the percentage of moisture will vary as the materials dry and vapour pressure changes.   Moisture Monitoring a%u0029 In water damage claims management%u002C during the emergency part of the job%u002C moisture monitoring is an investigative and forensic process determining the exact locations which building%u0027s absorbed unwanted moisture and humidity. b%u0029 In water damaged buildings during the drydown phase%u002C moisture monitoring is the strict discipline requiring the measurement and recording of wet building materials and the drydown process. Moisture monitoring continues until the restorative drying contractor has determined the wet building materials no longer require drying and dehumidification since they have been returned to an acceptable moisture content   Moisture Transpiration The amount of moisture in a material that can move in and out of that material. Moisture transpiration rate must consider the percent of solids which make up the material%u002C the percent of free air%u002C and the percent of suspended or trapped moisture.   Moisture Vapour The amount of indoor moisture trapped in a building in its vapor state or phase%u002C during high humidity or a water damage. Education Note%u003A High moisture content in air %u0028above 75%u0025 RH%u0029%u002C is an indication engineering controls are necessary to control and reduce unwanted indoor humidity. See Dehumidification%u002C Psychometrics   Moisture-Related Flooring Failures The ability of moisture as a vapor from a substrate to cause or result in a floor product damage. Although there are a lot of very technical-sounding terms and theories surrounding flooring problems and failures%u002C there are only two basic causes of flooring failures%u003A moisture and alkalinity. %u0028Assuming%u002C of course%u002C there has not been unsatisfactory construction practices%u002C flooring products and flooring installation.%u0029   Monitoring a%u0029 Sampling and analysis of air%u002C water%u002C soil and building materials to determine background and concentrations of contamination. Restorative Drying Note%u003A b%u0029 Monitoring is the method used daily along with moisture sensoring equipment%u002C during the drydown process of a wet building. See Dehumidification%u002C Drydown%u002C Restorative Drying   Monitoring Equipment The equipment necessary to monitor a control against a contaminate%u002C or a contaminate against a standard.   Monte Carlo Method A method of sampling that produces a statistical estimate of a quantity by taking many random samples from an assumed probability distribution source%u002C such as considered to be a normal distribution. The Monte Carlo Method is typically used when experimentation is infeasible%u002C or when the actual input values are different or impossible to obtain.   Morbidity The state of a person or community being sick or diseased. The sickness rate or ratio of the number sick persons measured against persons remaining well.   Morphology The branch of biological science that deals with the study of the structure and form of living organisms without regard to their function.   Mortgage Payment Clause in an Insurance Policy In insurance terminology%u002C the word mortgage includes trustee or loss payee. If a mortgagee is named on a policy%u002C a covered loss will be paid to the mortgagee and the insured%u002C as interests appear. If more than one mortgagee is named on the policy%u002C the order of payment by the insurer will be the same as the order of the mortgages. Education Note%u003A If the insurer denies an insurance claim%u002C such denial will not apply to a mortgage holder%u0027s valid claim against a mortgage or against other contractual claims%u002C such as a contractor who provided emergency or restoration services.   Mould Abatement The term mold abatement is a misnomer and it is a misused term. The term mold abatement came from the asbestos abatement industry. Mould abatement is often confused with asbestos abatement%u002C since most all of the asbestos terminology%u002C methods and equipment%u002C have been borrowed from this industry. Harmful mould is remediated%u002C not abated%u002C since not all mold can be removed from an environment%u002C nor should it be.   Mould and Fungi According to Ainsworth %u0026 Bisby%u0027s Dictionary of the Fungi %u00288th Ed%u002C 1995%u0029%u002C molds are micro-fungi which have well marked mycelia and spore mass. The word mould is used to describe various groups of fungi. Surprisingly to some persons%u002C all mold are fungi%u002C but not all fungi are molds%u0021 %u0028Dr. Chin Yang%u0029 Education Note%u003A In water damaged buildings%u002C environmental assessments and remediation practices%u002C the term mould and fungi are often used interchangeably. See Fungi%u002C Mildew   Mould Assessment 1%u0029 The process of visually evaluating an environment or material for signs of mould growth or decay. 2%u0029 The process by which environmental professionals use to determine the presence/absence of mould contamination in buildings and materials.   Mould Containment A properly designed and engineered containment that is placed around mouldy building materials before they are allowed to be removed. Depending on the environment and situation%u002C mould containment must be maintained under negative air-pressure relative to the surrounding areas.   Mould Exposures All moulds in certain quantities are allergenic while other moulds in small quantities can be toxic. Mould exposures are based on an individuals health and there are no exact threshold levels. Mould exposures are mainly a result of inhalation%u002C ingestion%u002C and skin contact.   Mould Mitigation The term mitigation means to lessen. This is an alternative term%u002C the primary and more professional term for describing the removal of harmful or questionable mouldy building materials%u002C is mould remediation. See Mould Remediation   Mould Prevention Methods required for stopping and eliminating high moisture content%u002C humidity and the drying of water damages before mould growth.   Mould Remediation Specific industry accepted methods for the containment and removal of mould-contaminated building materials safely%u002C while applying acceptable industry standards-of-care. NYC Education Note%u003A Mould remediation of contaminated building materials having over 30 square feet of contaminated surface%u002C must follow the same containment and abatement methods as prescribed for asbestos remediation. See IICRC%u002C Mycotoxin Abatement%u002C Personal Protective Equipment%u002C Serious Violation%u002C Stachybotrys Mitigation   Mould Remediation Guidelines 1%u0029 Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi In Indoor Environments%u003A www.ci.nyc.us/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.html%u003B 2%u0029 Mould Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings%u003A www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/molds.html%u003B 3%u0029 Federal Emergency Management Agency www.fema.gov/mit. Note%u003A there are reference materials and other web sites attached to these documents that are valuable resources.   Mould Remediation Plan A written engineering plan that describes the reasonable judgement%u002C methods and protocol required for removing contaminated building materials safely.   Mould Sampling The removal of representative materials having or indicating a mold concern. Education Note%u003A Mould sampling for general identification of a material may be completed by the lay-person through bulk%u002C swab or tape lift sampling. Mould samples are to be sent to a qualified mycology laboratory for analysis. Mould sampling for quantitative and qualitative analysis must be completed by only trained environmental professionals along with interpretation of laboratory data.   Movement In physics and engineering%u002C the term movement denotes the principal by which a force is applied sufficient enough to exert a pressure on itself or by another object.   Muck A term denoting liquefied and suspended soil in water.   Mud and Muck The remaining organic and inorganic matter collected around the outside%u002C under and in a building after a catastrophic flooding disaster. The mud and muck came from lakes and streams%u002C fields and farms%u002C storm runoff and sewer systems. Contractor Note%u003A a%u0029 From a building owners prospective%u002C the immediate task is to start shoveling-out the mud and muck. b%u0029 After most of the mud and muck has been removed%u002C the building owner will usually bring in hoses and pressure washing equipment to wash down the remaining mud and muck from building materials and contents. c%u0029 After muck and mud removal%u002C and the interior environment is allowed to dry%u002C then the building owner assesses the damage and after a very close evaluation%u002C the owner determines there a considerable amount of grit and fines remaining. See Fines%u002C Grit%u002C Mud and Muck Assessment   Mud and Muck Assessment A damage assessment of the building and its contents. The assessment includes the safety of the building%u002C electricity and gas hazards%u002C and what steps are necessary in containing the damage. %u0028The assessment of the building damage does not include a damage estimate%u002C it is a survey of the overall damage only%u0029. See Mud and Muck-Out   Mud and Muck-Out The services necessary to remove all catastrophic mud and muck from a building. %u0028Remember%u002C mud and muck-out services cannot begin until flood waters are down%u0029.   Mud and Muck-Out Minimum of Services - a Technicians Right to Know When service are required%u003A a%u0029 Assess the safety of the building including electricity and gas. b%u0029 Provide for employee protection%u002C safety and personal hygiene. c%u0029 Have the right equipment to meet the needs of every job. d%u0029 Inventory%u002C remove salvageable contents%u002C clean and sanitize them%u002C locate them in a safe clean area or a separate building. e%u0029 Provide for mud and muck-out of all saturated building areas. f%u0029 Gain access to the damaged building materials %u0028carpet%u002C vinyl%u002C underlayment%u002C cabinets%u002C drywall and insulation%u0029 and remove them. g%u0029 Remove all small debris and remove them. The building must be down to studs and the exterior walls. h%u0029 Low-pressure pressure wash and scrub the building%u002C starting from one end to another%u002C while attempting to not recontaminate already cleaned areas. I%u0029 Follow up with extraction with truckmount equipment%u002C or if necessary portable extraction equipment. On concrete slabs%u002C use squeegees and push out of a door. j%u0029 A second low-pressure pressure washing and scrubbing in some buildings is necessary%u002C followed with extraction. k%u0029 Drying of a wet building varies with each structure. Building drying depends on local weather conditions including wind%u002C relative humidity%u002C and temperature. Often during catastrophic flooding%u002C weather calls for more rain. Dehumidification with industrial size truck-mounted desiccant machines and large refrigerant machines%u002C sometimes is the only method available to dry structures properly.   Mud and Muck-Out Professionals Water damage mitigation contractors who travel across the United States and Canada with trained managers and technicians who provide catastrophic mud and muck-out services for insurance companies%u002C business and communities. Contractor Note%u003A Typically%u002C trained managers and technicians of the contractor will hire%u002C teach and manage local high school and college age men to provide mud and muck-out services. %u0028Local housing is limited and it usually is not available for large out of state or town service crews%u0029.   Multi-stage Thermostat A thermostat which controls multiple stages of auxiliary equipment for heating or cooling in response to a greater demand for heating or cooling.   Multi-Zone An HVAC system supplying air to two or more locations%u002C each location having its own thermostat. The thermostat controls the delivered air temperature by controlling damper positions connected to a hot deck/cold deck.   M-VOCs The gas-like effect in air produced by some fungi as they sporulate and decay when digesting organic carbon-based materials. M-VOCs %u0028microbial Volatile Organic Compounds%u0029 can result in a occupant health condition while indoors where fresh outside air is not constantly present and flowing. Static are spaces or indoor spaces having little air movement%u002C while in the presence of ideal fungi growth conditions%u002C will produce M-VOCs and mycotoxins. Most building areas having musty-like smells%u002C including mushroom like smells and smells consisting of earthy%u002C damp soil%u002C weedy%u002C nutty%u002C or having a sweet ester/metallic smell should be avoided. Health and Mitigation Note%u003A After donning proper respiratory equipment%u002C further investigation as to the cause of the smells should be conducted. Be aware%u002C that not all M-VOC conditions produce smells when fungi is present. Extreme health and respiratory caution must be taken when around a mouldy building environment.   Myalgia A pain often located in the muscles%u002C that is usually brought about from injury and inflammation.   Mycelia The growing%u002C yet non-spore forming stage of fungi%u002C moulds and yeasts. See Hyphae   Mycelial Fragments The dead and decaying fragments from fungi%u002C moulds and yeast.   Mycology The scientific name given to mycologists who study fungi and yeasts%u002C other fungi and their by-products. The field of mycology is broke down into three specialty groups%u002C medical mycology - the study of fungi on populations%u003B plant mycology - the study of fungi%u002C rusts%u002C smuts and yeasts on vegetative%u002C plants%u002C trees and crops%u003B and environmental mycology - the study of fungi in environments including buildings.   Mycotoxin Abatement Fungi which produce mycotoxins in wet building materials%u002C they are usually noticeable as having a black%u002C gray or a greenish mold color. Contractor Note%u003A There are no Federal regulations for abating mycotoxins%u002C but the State of New York and New York City has carefully and scientifically studied fungal toxins. Their document is called%u003A Assessment and Remediation of Stachybotrys Atra in Indoor Environments. Health and Mitigation Note%u003A The scientific community agrees%u002C black molds are dangerous and they must be removed carefully. Small areas 10 square feet can be easily removed by an owner or contractor as long as they wear Latex or rubber gloves%u002C long sleeve shirts and a HEPA rated respirator. Mitigation Note%u003A Large areas such as a whole wall%u002C room or building should only be removed by professionals who have mold abatement experience%u002C training and equipment. Mouldy building materials must be carefully removed in their entirety%u002C double bagged and legally disposed. OSHA Note%u003A Most other State OSHA health and safety standards%u002C mandate that mitigation contractors must now follow the revised New York Guidelines in protecting their employees and work occupants of a building. See Mould Mitigation%u002C Personal Protective Equipment%u002C Serious Violation%u002C Stachybotrys Mitigation   Mycotoxins Toxic fungi that produce mycotoxins from fungal growth and fungal decay. Education and Health Note%u003A Recent medical-clinical evidence reports that mycotoxins%u002C especially from Aspergillus niger%u002C Stachybotrys atra %u0028chartarum%u0029 indicate fungi mycotoxins are being produced from wet cellulosic building materials. Certain fungi can produce large amounts of toxins that can be severely toxic to both humans and animals. See Mycotoxin Abatement%u002C Neurotoxins   Myxomycetes Any number of slime moulds that grow on damp soil and decaying vegetable matter%u002C such as decaying wood%u002C bark and fruits. See Ascospores%u002C Basidiospores