Defines the concentration of a pollutant believed to cause no adverse, non-cancer health effects over a lifetime, assuming that all of the exposure to a contaminant comes from drinking water.

Method of transmitting information from the central nervous system to muscles and organs.

Light-absorbing material in particles found in the atmosphere and usually produced from the combustion of gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons with restricted air supply. Often carries other harmful chemicals. Also called black carbon.

Substances which can improperly regulate and emulate the body's hormones, disrupting growth and development, energy levels and reproductive health.

An alternative theory to the lipid hypothesis, positing that oxidized, relatively small, dense low-density-lipoproteins (LDL) are the primary cause of atherosclerotic plaque and CVD. This challenges the causal link between saturated fat intake and risk of heart disease.

Rating of mold level based on sample of dust from within building. Takes degree of activity and toxicity of mold species.

Study of the distribution and correlation of health-related states or events (including disease) based on populations exposed to different environmental conditions.

The study of how genes produce their effect on the observable properties of an organism, including environmental triggers.

Reddening of the skin caused by an excess in blood in the skin capillaries.

Best methods and technologies to achieve a specific result, determined by evidence from current and well-conducted research.

Protein in cat saliva that can produce allergic or asthmatic responses in humans.

Resulting in toxicity of the fetus.

A laser based technique employed in cell counting, sorting and protein engineering.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The core functions of the agency are: Medical Products and Tobacco, Foods and Veterinary Medicine, Global Regulatory Operations and Policy and Operations.

Ability for occupants to be able to choose their own workspace within the office or workplace.

A full time employee is one who works at least the minimum amount of hours as definied by his or her employer. This is generally defined as 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.

One of a group of colorless, volatile, heterocyclic organic compounds

A low pH digestive fluid produced in the stomach.

A chemical or other agent that damages genetic material or reproduction, resulting in mutations or cancer.

Glasswork, which must be carefully designed in order to avoid excessive glare and heat gain.

Steroids which contribute to control of the immune system.

Glycogen is the body's storage form of glucose. The glycogen that is stored in muscles is for on-site use only, whereas the glycogen that is stored in the liver serves to maintain glucose homeostasis in the bloodstream. Glycogen stored in muscle is typically reserved for times of "emergency", and can be quickly metabolized on the spot.

A hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction and regeneration. It has an anabolic effect on the body, playing a critical role in childhood development and organ and muscle growth. It is boosted in the body during fasting, restful sleep and exercise.

The time required for something to fall to half its initial value.

A standard format for reporting product content and associated health information for building products and materials.

A class of disease that affects the heart, arteries, capillaries or veins.

Equipment, distribution systems and terminals that provide the processes of heating, ventilating or air conditioning.

A positive oxidated state of chromium, used for production of stainless steel, textile dyes, wood preservation, leather tanning and as anti-corrosion and conversion coatings.

Oils that are highly processed to remove impurities and therefore to withstand cooking heat. This usually leaves the oils prone to oxidation.

A state of having regulated responses to environmental conditions to retain stability.

Flu-like illness marked by fever, headache, chills and malaise but without prominent pulmonary symptoms. It is a disease of uncertain origin, with onset occurring a few hours after exposure usually to amoebae, bacteria and fungi found in humidifier reservoirs, air conditioners and aquaria.

A colorless, flammable, water-soluble, poisonous gas, having the odor of rotten eggs and used in the manufacture of chemicals, in metallurgy and as a reagent.

Food that is designed, engineered or marketed to be as desirable as possible. Often characterized by the presence of excessive salt, sweeteners and oils, these foods can overcome feelings of satiety to induce overeating..

An inflammation of the alveoli within the lung caused by hypersensitivity to inhaled organic dusts. Symptoms usually include fever, chills, fatigue, breathlessness, cough and chest tightness.

Part of the hypothalamus which regulates digestion, mood and other aspects through hormone feedback loops.

Part of the brain that links the endocrine system with the nervous system through the pituitary gland.

Hypoxia is an abnormal condition of the body in which oxygen intake or use is inadequate causing a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching body tissues.

Regulation of the immune system and response by agents that activate or suppress its function.

The integrated body system of organs, tissues, cells and cell products such as antibodies that differentiates self from non-self and neutralizes potentially harmful organisms or substances.

An inability to develop a normal immune response, usually as a result of disease, malnutrition or medical therapy that affects the immune system.

Anvil shaped bone in the middle ear located between the malleus and stapes. The incus transmits vibrations from the malleus to the stapes.

Localized protective reaction of tissue to irritation, injury or infection, characterized by pain, redness, swelling and sometimes loss of function.

An acute contagious viral infection characterized by inflammation of the respiratory tract and by fever, chills, muscular pain and prostration.

Sound waves with frequencies less than 20 Hz. Too low for the human ear to hear.

Hormone which helps regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates and fat and signals the absorption of glucose from the blood.

A type of oil in which fatty acids held in triglycerides have been reconfigured. These fats were designed to replace trans-fats in commercial baked goods and processed foods. There is little known about their health effects.

Intervertebral discs (IVD) are the cartilaginous joints that lie between adjacent vertebra in the spine. Each disc allows slight movement of the vertebrae and acts as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together.

Relay environmental light levels to the suprachiasmatic nucleus through the retinohypothalamic tract. Most sensitive to blue light.

Irritation of the colon affecting the large intestine or colon causing cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. Usually controlled through dietary and stress management.