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

Compounds used as flame retardants in a wide array of products, including building materials, electronics, furnishings, motor vehicles, airplanes, plastics, polyurethane foams and textiles.

Heat transfer through physical contact with another object.

A class of related compounds, similar in structure and chemical properties.

Age related loss of skeletal muscle mass, including quality and strength.

Lumps produced by sintering limestone and alumino-silicate (clay) during the cement kiln stage.

Temperature of an organism far with the body, such as in internal organs.

Added during material production to impart varying degrees of elasticity.

Passed by congress in 1974, authorizing the EPA to set national limits on contaminant levels in drinking water making it safe for human consumption. Under this program, EPA regulates public water systems that provide "piped water for human consumption" and serve at least 25 individuals or has 15 service connections.

An organization that publishes and researches information on the sustainability of building materials and advocates environmentally friendly building materials and building policies.

Culturable mold can be defined as mold that is alive, and will therefore grow in a culture sample, as opposed to non-culturable mold that is dead or dormant and would go undetected with culture sampling.

Surfaces that are frequently touched by building users and occupants such as door knobs, hand rails and tables. See Table A1.

The region draining into a river, river system or other body of water.

A derived version of styrene, which is a colourless, oily liquid, used to manufacture polymers.

A subgroup of reproductive toxins that cause malformations of an embryo or fetus. Effects may occur from conception to sexual maturity and include spontaneous abortion, structural or functional defects, low birth weight or effects that may appear later in life.

A serious medical condition, not to be confused with "ketosis", in which a shortage of insulin forces triggering the production of ketones in extremely high quantities that can lead to toxic effects.

Any of various simple sub-microscopic parasites of plants, animals and bacteria that often cause disease and consist essentially of a core of genetic material surrounded by a protein shell.

An organic compound that contains one or more chlorine atoms.

Noise cancellation is the methodology for cancelling sound through either active or passive means. Active noise cancelling uses signal processors to invert incoming signals and generate inverse waves for destructive interference. Passive noise cancelling utilizes insulation and sound-absorbing materials to reduce sound.

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

A key compound componet used to create polyvinyl chloride.

Member of a large class of gaseous, liquid or solid chemical compounds whose molecules contain carbon and hydrogen.

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.

Rate of exchange of outside air, as well as the circulation of air within the building.

The organ of Corti contains the auditory hair cells that respond to the perilymph vibrations and transmit them into electrochemical impulses for the auditory nerve.

A natural byproduct of oxygen metabolism, ROS are reactive oxygen intermediates vital to cell signaling and homeostasis. However, an over production of ROS, in times of environmental stress, can cause damage to cells structures.

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

Measure of ultraviolet radiation, usually ranging from 1 to 12 during the day on earth. Each unit equals 25 mW/m², weighted to the human erythema response.

Alternative fuels or raw materials used in combustion processes.

An opening in a surface (as a wall or membrane).

A condition marked by an increase of fibrous tissue between tissue or part of an organ, whether in a reparative or reactive process.

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

A specific designation of atom characterized by giving the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

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.

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

A sterilization method that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to break down microorganisms by destroying their DNA. Often used in a variety of applications, such as food, air and water purification.

Ventilation system that employs an air to air heat exchanger for the transfer of moisture and heat from outbound air to inbound circulated air.

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.

Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the lungs

Sound waves with frequencies greater than 20 kHz. Too high for the human ear to hear.

A standard by which water filters are judged.

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.

An inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation in the large intestine and rectum characterized by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, fever and diarrhea.

Non-rapid eye movement, or non-REM is, collectively, sleep stages 1–3. There are distinct electroencephalographic and other characteristics seen in each stage. Unlike REM sleep, there is usually little or no eye movement during this stage.

Process of metabolism which occurs during strenuous exercise in which cells produce ATP anaerobically and generate lactic acid as a byproduct.

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.

Membrane in the ear canal that separates the external ear from the middle ear; more commonly known as eardrum.