Aflatoxin: Are metabolites produced by toxigenic strains of molds, mainly Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, which grow in soil, hay, decaying vegetation, and grains.

Actinomycetes: A group of bacteria commonly found in soil and water, some species of which can cause health issues when present indoors.

Air Infiltration: The unintentional or uncontrolled exchange of air between the interior and exterior of a building, which can contribute to moisture problems and mold growth.

Allergen: Substance that triggers allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, such as mold spores for those with mold allergies.

Arbitration: A method of resolving disputes outside of court, where parties agree to abide by the decision of an arbitrator.

Aspergillus/Penicillium: Common types of molds often found indoors, capable of producing mycotoxins and causing health issues in sensitive individuals.

Biocide: Chemical substance used to kill mold and prevent its regrowth.

Boroscope: Optical device used to inspect inaccessible areas for mold growth or other issues.

Building Biologist: Specialist focused on assessing indoor environments for factors affecting human health, including mold contamination.

Building Hygienist: Professional specializing in evaluating and improving indoor air quality and environmental conditions within buildings.

Building Science: Field of study focused on understanding the behavior of buildings and their components, including issues like mold growth and indoor air quality.

Chaetomium: Type of mold commonly found in water-damaged buildings, capable of producing mycotoxins and causing health problems.

CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome): A condition triggered by exposure to biotoxins like those produced by molds, leading to chronic inflammation and a range of symptoms.

Cladosporium: Common outdoor mold that can also grow indoors in damp environments, known to trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Class Action Lawsuit: A legal action filed by a group of people who have been similarly harmed by the actions of a defendant, often used in cases involving widespread mold contamination.

Containment: Process of isolating mold-contaminated areas during remediation to prevent the spread of spores to unaffected areas.

Containment Protocols: Specific procedures followed during mold remediation to establish and maintain containment barriers effectively.  

CV or Curriculum Vitae: Is an itemized list of a person's entire education, publications, accomplishments, notable projects, awards, honors, achievements, and professional experiences. 

Dehumidifier: Device used to reduce humidity levels in indoor environments, which helps prevent mold growth.

Dew Point: The atmospheric temperature (varying according to pressure and humidity) below which water droplets begin to condense and dew can form. 

ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index): A method of assessing mold contamination in indoor environments based on DNA analysis of dust samples.

Fungi: A group of organisms that includes molds, yeasts, and mushrooms, capable of causing various health issues in humans.

Fungal Spores: Reproductive cells of molds, capable of becoming airborne and spreading mold contamination.

Fusarium: Type of mold commonly found in water-damaged buildings, known for producing mycotoxins and causing health problems.

Gliotoxin: Is a member of the epipolythiodioxopiperazine class of toxins and is both the major and the most potent toxin produced by Aspergillus fumigatus.

HEPA Filter: High-efficiency particulate air filter, used to trap airborne particles, including mold spores, during remediation or in air purifiers.

HEPA Vacuum: Vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter, used during mold remediation to capture mold spores and other contaminants.

Humidity: Is the concentration of water vapor present in the air.

HVAC System: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, which can distribute mold spores throughout a building if contaminated.

Hydroxyl Generator: Equipment used to neutralize odors and sanitize indoor environments during mold remediation by producing hydroxyl radicals that break down organic compounds, including mold spores.

IEP (Indoor Environmental Professional): Specialist trained in assessing indoor environments for mold contamination and other indoor air quality issues.

IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification): Organization that sets standards and provides certifications for professionals in the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries, including mold remediation.

Lab Testing of Molds: Analysis of samples collected from indoor environments to identify and quantify mold species present and their concentrations.

Lawsuit: A legal action filed by an individual or entity seeking damages or other legal remedies, often used in cases of mold-related property damage or health effects.

MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity): Condition characterized by increased sensitivity to various chemicals, including those emitted by molds, leading to symptoms upon exposure.

MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome): Disorder involving abnormal activation of mast cells, potentially triggered by exposure to mold toxins, leading to a range of symptoms.

Mediation: A process of dispute resolution involving a neutral third party who assists the disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.

Military Housing: Residential housing provided by or affiliated with the military, which may be subject to mold-related issues due to factors such as age, maintenance, and climate.

Moisture Meter: A device used to measure the moisture content in various materials, such as wood, drywall, and concrete. Moisture meters are essential tools in identifying potential areas of moisture accumulation that could promote mold growth and structural damage. They can be pin-type, where probes are inserted into the material, or pinless, using electromagnetic sensors to detect moisture without causing damage.

Mold: Microscopic fungi that grow in damp environments and can cause health problems when inhaled or touched.

Mold Assessment Consultant (MAC): Professional trained and licensed to conduct mold assessments and provide recommendations for remediation.

Mold Assessment Technician: Technician trained to assist in mold assessments and sampling under the supervision of a Mold Assessment Consultant.

Mold Inspector: Professional trained to inspect buildings for mold growth, moisture issues, and indoor air quality concerns. In the state of Texas a mold inspector will be licensed as a mold assessment technician or a mold assessment consultant.

Mold Remediation Protocol: Detailed plan outlining the steps and procedures for mold remediation activities based on assessment findings and industry standards, drafted by the mold assessment consultant hired to inspect the building.

Mold Remediation Work Plan: Document specifying the scope of work, methods, and schedule for mold remediation projects, drafted by the remediation contractor hired to perform the remediation.

Mold Remediation: The process of removing or mitigating mold contamination from a building or environment to prevent further growth and health risks.

Mycotoxins: Are secondary metabolites produced by microfungi that are capable of causing disease and death in humans and other animals. Because of their pharmacological activity, some mycotoxins or mycotoxin derivatives have found use as antibiotics, growth promotants, and other kinds of drugs; still others have been implicated as chemical warfare agents. 

Negative Air Pressure in Remediation: Technique used during mold remediation to create pressure differentials that prevent mold spores from escaping the containment area into unaffected spaces.

Non-Toxic Mold: Types of mold that do not produce mycotoxins and are generally considered less harmful to human health, although still capable of causing allergic reactions.

Ochratoxin A (OTA): Is a mycotoxin produced by several fungal species including Aspergillus ochraceus, A. carbonarius, A. niger and Penicillium verrucosum.

PANS/PANDAS: Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) are conditions characterized by sudden-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms, sometimes associated with mold exposure.

RCLA (Residential Construction Liability Act): Legal framework governing construction defects and warranties in residential buildings.

Remediator: Professional trained and licensed to conduct mold remediation according to industry standards and regulations.

Secondary Containment/Decontamination Chamber: Enclosed area within a mold remediation site used for decontamination procedures and preventing the spread of mold spores.

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS): Term used to describe situations where occupants of a building experience acute health effects linked to time spent in the building, often associated with poor indoor air quality, including mold contamination.

Small Particle Cleaning: Cleaning method used during mold remediation to remove mold spores and other contaminants from surfaces using specialized equipment.

Smoke Pencil: Device used to visualize airflow patterns during building diagnostics, including detecting air leaks that may contribute to moisture problems and mold growth.

Stachybotrys chartarum: A type of mold commonly known as black mold, known for producing mycotoxins and associated with adverse health effects.

TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation): Regulatory agency responsible for licensing and regulating mold assessment and remediation professionals in Texas.

Thermal Imaging Camera: Also known as an infrared camera, this device captures the heat given off by objects, allowing it to display an image visualized through temperature differences. In the context of building inspections and mold remediation, thermal imaging cameras can help detect areas of moisture accumulation, air leaks, and thermal insulation deficiencies by showing cooler or warmer spots, which might indicate dampness or moisture intrusion not visible to the naked eye.

Tricothocenes (TCT): Are groups of chemically related mycotoxins compounds produced by diverse filamentous fungal species such as Fusarium, Myrothecium, Stachybotrys, Trichoderma, Trichothecium, and Spicellum, which pose a threat to human and animal health.

Ventilation: The process of bringing fresh air into indoor spaces and expelling stale air, which helps prevent mold growth by reducing humidity levels.

Water Damage: Harm caused to a building or its contents by water intrusion, which can lead to mold growth if not promptly addressed.

Zearalenone (ZEN): Is a mycotoxin produced by fungi of the genus Fusarium, mainly F. graminearum, F. culmorum, F. cerealis, F. equiseti, F. crookwellense, F. semitectum, F. verticillioides, F. sporotrichioides, F. oxysporum  and F. acuminatum.