An in vitro technique for rapidly synthesizing large quantities of a given DNA segment.

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

Metric for predicting the average thermal sensation response for a group of people exposed to the same climate condition. Range of PMV is cold (-3) to hot (3).

The most hazardous indoor air pollutants.

Any single-celled eukaryotic (having a nucleus) organism, such as an amoeba.

Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the lungs

The energy and particles which are released during the decomposition process of atomic nuclei is called radiation.

The process by which fats, oils and other lipids are decomposed, often resulting in undesirable odors and flavors, reducing nutritional value and introducing harmful oxidative compounds.

Daily ingestion level of at substance believed to have no harmful effect to most people. Typically 100 to 1000 times less the No Observed Adverse Effects Level, and sometimes 10 times larger than the Population Adjusted Dose.

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is a stage of sleep characterized by the rapid and random movement of the eyes. REM sleep typically occupies 20–25% of total sleep, about 90–120 minutes of a night's sleep. REM sleep is considered the deepest stage of sleep and normally occurs close to morning.

A poison that targets the reproductive system.

Inadequate gas exchange by the respiratory system, with the result that oxygen and/or carbon dioxide levels leaving the heart cannot be maintained within their normal ranges.

Abnormal bleeding of the blood vessels in the retina, the membrane in the back of the eye.

Inflammation of the nasal passages caused by an allergic reaction to airborne allergens. Commonly referred to as hay fever.

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.

A chemical compound or substance that inhibits oxidation by neutralizing the oxidant effect of free radicals

The eye's response to brightness using a the rods in dim light. Most sensitive to light at 498 nm.

Exposure to an allergen that results in the development of hypersensitivity.

A life-threatening severe form of whole-body inflammation that usually results from the presence of bacteria and their resulting toxins in the bloodstream.

A set of symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, eye irritation and breathing difficulties, that typically affect workers in modern airtight office buildings, and that are believed to be caused by indoor pollutants and poor environmental control.

Muscle tissue that is voluntarily controlled.

A disorder of excessive bacterial growth in the small intestine.

A fuel produced by shredding and dehydrating solid waste.

Sound waves are pressure variations in a medium (air, water, etc.). The pressure differences create vibrations and are ultimately interpreted as sounds/noises when they reach the ears.

The typical eating pattern for modern americans. Characterized by high intake of high-fat, high-fructose, high-carbohydrate food with low micronutrient value.

A class of hormones that include cholesterol and testosterone.

The most common type of synthetic rubber, used in tires, footwear, adhesives and sealants.

A surface or layer on which an organism grows or is attached.

Part of the autonomic nervous system which prepares the body for high energy activity in response to stress.

Pesticides, dioxins, PCBs and other artificially created compounds that may be present in the food or water supply.

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is America's health protection agency against key health threats.

Organisms which regulate their core body temperatures. Typically "warm blooded" animals.

The ability of an organism to maintain its body temperature within certain boundaries. Thermoregulation is one of the key aspects of homeostasis.

Regulation of thyroid hormones responsible for the physical and chemical processes that occur in cells, allow growth and maintain body functions.

Clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid with a pungent odor. Used primarily to manufacture flexible polyurethane foams for use in furniture, bedding and automotive and airline seats.

Any condition resulting from poisoning.

The overview of a substance surmising health effects via levels of exposure, routes of entry and toxicity testing.

A chemical element required only in small or minute amounts by living organisms for normal growth and function.

Any outdoor pathways designated for pedestrian or biker use.

One third (or approximately 13 weeks) of pregnancy.

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

The most common form of diabetes, usually appearing in middle aged adults and often associated with obesity and may be controlled with diet and exercise. In type II diabetes the cells are not responding properly to the insulin, and/or there is not enough insulin being produced.

The USGBC is an organization dedicated to transforming the built environment into a healthier, more sustainable one. The Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) program is a certification for best-in-class strategies and green building practices.

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

Designing objects and spaces with aesthetically pleasing while maximizing accessibility, usability and operability regardless of the user's age, ability and other factors.

A chemical element, a gray dense radioactive metal used as a fuel in nuclear reactors.

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

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.