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
AA
Assistant Administrator.
AA
Atomic Absorption.
AA
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.
AAA
American Arbitration Association.
AAR
Association of American Railroads.
AAS
American Association for the Advancement of Science.
AAEE
American Academy of Environmental Engineers.
AAES
American Association of Engineering Societies.
AANWR
Alaskan Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
AAP
Affirmative Action Plan.
AAP
Army Ammunition Plant.
AAP
Asbestos Action Program.
AARC
Alliance for Acid Rain Control.
AB
Assembly Bill.
ABA
American Bar Association.
ABAG
Association of Bay Area Governments.
abaft
towards the stern of a ship or mobile offshore drilling rig. Farther aft, than behind a named position.
abatement
the reduction in degree or intensity of pollution.
aberration
it denotes a very slight movement in the apparent position of a star. It is caused by the rotation of the Earth, between the time the light from the star reaches the objective of the telescope and the time it reaches the eyepiece.
ABES
Alliance for Balanced Environmental Solutions.
ablation
a wastage and loss of ice and snow from the surface of an ice-sheet or glacier that is generated by melting and evaporation. It stands for a removal of rock debris by wind action.
abalation cone
this is a debris-covered cone or a pyramid of ice, or snow, built by ablation.
abalation cooling
the removal of material by evaporation or melting, on the surface of aircraft or space shuttle, that travels at hypersonic speed during re-entry. This is brought on through heating and by friction with atmosphere; it serves to preserve the craft.
ablation factor
the rate, at which a snow or ice surface wastes away.
ablation zone
the lower part of a glacier, where annual water loss exceeds snow accumulation.
ABMA
American Boiler Manufacturers Association.
abnormal pressure
a pressure, exceeding or falling below the normal pressure that we can expect at the given sea depth. The normal pressure increases make about 10.5 kPa per meter depth.
aboard
on or in a ship, an offshore drilling rig, aircraft, helicopter or space vehicle.
abrasion
it represents a mechanical wear. The process consists of scratching, rubbing, grinding or wearing away by friction. A mechanical wearing down of the earth's surface by material that is transported by ice or wind.
abrasion pH
the acidity that results from OH- or H+ ions, being absorbed at the surface of finely ground minerals, which are suspended in water.
abrasion platform
it is commonly any horizontal surface, cut by a wave into a slope, as a platform of marine origin. It is not a surface that is formed by abrasion.
abrasion resistance
this is a trait of coatings or materials, to resist mechanical surface wear that is caused by friction under ambient working conditions.
abrasive
a substance that we use for grinding, honing, lapping, superfinishing, polishing, abrasive blastcleaning, pressure blasting, peening or barrel finishing. The abrasives include natural materials such as broken up nut shells, sand, garnet, emery, corundum and diamond; the electric furnace products like aluminum oxide, silicon carbide and boron carbide; also glass and various metallic abrasives.
abrasive belt
a belt shaped product, which is coated with an abrasive that we use in production grinding and polishing.
abrasive belt polishing
finishing a workpiece with a power-driven abrasive-coated belt in order to develop a very good finish.
abrasive blasting
(surface treatment and cleaning): using dry or wet abrasive particles under air pressure for short duration of time to clean a metal surface.
abrasive disk
a disk-shaped product, coated with abrasive that we use in production. A grinding wheel, mounted on a steel plate. We use the exposed flat side for grinding.
abrasive mineral
Aluminum oxide.
abrasive test
a method that we use for testing the abrasion resistance of coatings.
abrasive wear
the removal of materials from a surface, when these are hard attached, or when loose particles slide or roll across the surface under pressure.
absolute
a chemical substance relatively free of impurities.
absolute address
an absolute address that refers to a fixed location in the computer's memory. Compare: RELATIVE ADDRESS.
absolute age
an age that is expressed in the number of years.
absolute alcohol
an alcohol, from which we have removed all traces of water.
absorb
to suck up. The penetration of a solid substance by a liquid as by capillary, osmotic, solvent, or chemical action.
absorbent
a porous body of a substance, which can soak up a penetrant.
absorption
assimilation of molecules or other substances into the physical structure of a liquid or solid without chemical reaction. An example is the absorption of water into soil.
AC
Alternating Current.
A&C
Abatement and Control.
ACA
American Conservation Association.
ACBM
Asbestos-Containing Building Material.
accelerated weathering
laboratory tests that are designed to simulate, but also to intensify and accelerate, the destructive action of natural outdoor weathering on materials or protective films. The tests involve exposure to the artificially produced components of natural weather, e.g., light, heat, cold, water vapor, rain, ultraviolet rays and ozone. These we can arrange and repeat in given cycles.
accelerator
In radiation science, a device that speeds up charged particles such as electrons or protons.
acclimation
The physiological and behavioral adjustments of an organism to changes in the environment.
acclimatization
The adaptation over several generations of a species to a marked change in the environment.
accumulation zone
the upper part of a glacier, where annual snowfall exceeds melting and evaporation.
accumulator
an electrical storage cell that delivers the current by a reversible chemical process. A vessel, which we use to ease the control of the flow of liquid or to separate the liquid from the entrapped gas or vapor. This in time, while the liquid flows through the plant for further processing. It is the register where a computer stores the results of an arithmetic operation.
ACE
Alliance for Clean Energy.
ACEC
American Consulting Engineers Council.
ACEEE
American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.
acetic acid glacial (CH3.COOH or CàH4Oà)
an acid that is colorless corrosive liquid, with a pungent smell. We produce it by oxidation of ethyl alcohol in the manufacture of vinegar or from acetylene through acetaldehyde. It is an important starting material in manufacture of cellulose acetate and metallic acetates. We use this acid also for manufacturing plastics and rubber, acetate rayon; laundry sours; printing calico and dyeing silks; preserving foods; solvent for gums, resins, volatile oils and many other substances. It is solid below 7¿C.
acetone (CH3.CO.CH3)
dimethyl ketone; we use it as solvent for fats, oils, waxes, resins, rubber, plastics, lacquers, varnishes, rubber cements. Further we use it in manufacturing plastics, chloroform and many other chemicals.
AC EXPOSURE
Alternating voltages and currents that are present on a structure, owing to the AC power system.
ACGIH
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. An organization of professionals in governmental agencies or educational institutions engaged in occupational safety and health programs. ACGIH develops and publishes recommended occupational exposure limits for chemical substances and physical agents (see TLV). ( 6500 Glenway Avenue , Bldg. D-7, Cincinnati , OH 45211 ; (513) 661-7881.
acid
an inorganic or organic compound that (1) reacts with metals to yield hydrogen; (2) reacts with a base to form a salt; (3) dissociates in water to yield hydrogen or hydronium ions; (4) has a pH of less than 7.0; and (5) neutralizes bases or alkaline media. All acids contain hydrogen and turn litmus paper red. They are corrosive to human tissue and are to be handled with care.
acid anhydride
a non-metallic oxide, e.g., SOà, SO3, or COà, which react with water to form acids.
acid brittleness
it stands for a low ductility of metal that is due to its absorption of hydrogen gas.
acid clay
when in water suspension, it is the clay, which gives off H ions.
acid cleaning
removing the adhering deposits by dissolving them with an acid solution, in that the deposited materials or binders become completely soluble. The insoluble portion of soils disintegrates or falls off.
acidosis
a condition of decreased alkalinity of the blood and tissues marked by sickly sweet breath, headache, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances; usually the result of excessive acid production. Tissues and CNS functions are disturbed.
ACL
Alternate Concentration Limit.
ACL
Analytical Chemistry Laboratory.
ACM
Asbestos-Containing Material.
ACO
Administrative Consent Order.
ACP
Air Carcinogen Policy.
ACQR
Air Quality Control Region.
acrid
Irritating and bitter.
acronym
a word or name that is formed by joining the first letters (or first few letters) of a series of words.
acrylan
this is the proprietary name for the compound of synthetic polymer of acrylonitrile, with vinyl acetate.
ACS
American Chemical Society.
action level
the exposure level (the material's concentration in air) at which OSHA regulations to protect employees take effect (29 CFR 1910.1001-1047); e.g., workplace air analysis employee training, medical monitoring, and record keeping. Exposure at or above the action level is termed occupational exposure. Exposure below this level can also be harmful. This level is generally one half the TLV.
action levels
refers to thresholds for contamination that trigger the need for decontamination.
activated carbon
a highly adsorbent form of carbon used to remove odors and toxic substances from gaseous emissions. In advanced waste treatment, it is used to remove dissolved organic matter from waste water.
activated sludge
an aerobic biological process for conversion of soluble organic matter to solid biomass, removable by gravity or filtration.
activated sludge process
removes organic matter from sewage by saturating it with air and biologically active sludge.
activation
means notification by telephone or other expeditious manner or, when required, the assembly of some or all appropriate members of the RRT or NRT.
activation energy
the extra amount of energy, which any particle or group of particles must obtain, to move from one energy state into another. It applies to changes in phase, as in chemical reactions and to movement of particles, as in diffusion. An energy that is required for initiating a metallurgical reaction.
active ingredient
the ingredient of a product that actually does what the product is designed to do. The remaining ingredients may be "inert".
acute health effect
health effects that usually occur rapidly as a result of short-term exposures, and are of short duration. Some examples are irritation, corrosivity (tissue destruction), narcosis, and death.EXAMPLE LAY LANGUAGE: Immediate Health Effect Adequate ventilation A condition falling within either or both of the following categories:(1) Ventilation to reduce levels of air contaminant below that which may cause personal injury or illness.(2) Ventilation sufficient to prevent accumulation to a concentration of contaminant vapor in air at a level in excess of 25 percent of the level set for the lower flammable limit.
acute lethality
the death of animals immediately or within 14 days after a single dose of or exposure to a toxic substance.
acute toxicity
any poisonous effect produced by a single short- term exposure, that results in severe biological harm or death.
ACWA
American Clean Water Association.
adaptation
a change in structure or habit of an organism that produces better adjustment to its surroundings.
ADB
Applications Data Base.
addition agent
a substance (e.g., wetting agent, inhibitor, brightener or antipit agent), which when added in somewhat small concentrations to pickling or plating solutions, modifies or controls a process that gives certain desirable physical and mechanical properties to the deposits.
addition reaction
a chemical reaction, in which a molecule, added to another molecule, containing a double bond, converts the double bond into a single bond.
adhesion
molecular attraction which holds the surfaces of two substances in contact, such as water and rock particles.
ADI
Acceptable Daily Intake.
adsorb
to collect gas or liquid molecules on the surface of another material. See absorb.adsorbent: a material, usually solid, capable of holding gases, liquids and/or suspended matter at its surface and in exposed pores. Activated carbon is a common adsorbent used in water.
adsorption
adhesion of an extremely thin layer of molecules (as of gas, solids or liquids) to the surface of solid or liquids with which they are in contact.
ADSS
Air Data Screening System.
adulterants
chemical impurities or substances that by law do not belong in a food, plant, animal, or pesticide formulation.
advanced waste water treatment
any treatment of sewage that goes beyond the secondary or biological water treatment stage and includes the removal of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen and a high percentage of suspended solids. (see: Primary, Secondary Treatment).
advisory
a non-regulatory document that communicates risk information to persons who may have to make risk management decisions.
AEA
Atomic Energy Act.
AED
Air Enforcement Division.
AEE
Alliance for Environmental Education.
AEE
Association of Energy Engineers.
AEERL
Air and Energy Research Laboratory.
aeration
a process which promotes biological degradation of organic water. The process may be passive (as when waste is exposed to air) or active (as when a mixing or bubbling device introduces the air).
aeration cell
a cell that is induced by differences in dissolved oxygen at the adjoining points.
aeration of soil and water
natural or enforced charge with air in soils and waters; the impregnation with air. An exposure to the action of air.
aeration tank
a chamber used to inject air into water.
AERE
Association of Environmental & Research Economists
aerobic
life or processes that require, or are not destroyed by, the presence of oxygen. (see: anaerobic).
aerobic biological oxidation
any waste treatment process utilizing organisms in the presence of air or oxygen to reduce the pollution load or oxygen demand of organic substance in water.
aerobic digestion (sludge processing)
biochemical decomposition of organic matter by organisms living or active only in the presence of oxygen, which results in the formation of mineral and simpler organic compounds.
aerobic organism
an organism that requires oxygen for its respiration.
aerobic treatment
process by which microbes decompose complex organic compounds in the presence of oxygen and use the liberated energy for reproduction and growth. Types of aerobic processes include extended aeration, trickling filtration, and rotating biological contactors.
aerosol
a suspension of liquid or solid particles in a gas, the particles often being in the colloidal size range. Fog and smoke are common examples of natural aerosols; fine sprays (perfumes, insecticides, inhalants, antiperspirants, paints, etc.) are man-made aerosols. Suspensions of various kinds may be formed by placing the components, together with a compressed gas, in a container (bomb). The pressure of the gas causes the mixture to be released as a fine spray (aerosol) or foam (aerogel) when a valve is opened.
AES
Auger Electron Spectrometry.
AESA
Association of Environmental Scientists and Administrators.
AFA
American Forestry Association.
AFB
Air Force Base.
AFBA
American Farm Bureau Federation.
affinity chemical
the tendency for atoms to combine and to form a chemical compound, that is near in composition, but different.
affinity
the force that causes two things to combine.
AFRCE
Air Force Regional Civil Engineers.
AFS
Air Force Station.
AFS
AIRS Facility Subsystem.
aft
toward or near the stern of the ship or offshore drilling rig.
afterburner
in incinerator technology, a burner located so that the combustion gases are made to pass through its flame in order to remove smoke and odors. It may be attached to or be separated from the incinerator proper.
AFUG
AIRS Facility Users Group.
AG
Attorney General.
AGA
American Gas Association.
AGCA
Associated General Contractors of America .
agency, the
see EPA.
agent
any substance, force, radiation, organism, or influence that affects the body. The effects may be beneficial or injurious.
agent orange
a toxic herbicide and defoliant which was used in the Vietnam conflict. It contains (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4,5-T) and (2-4 dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D) with trace amounts of dioxin.
agglomerate
to gather fine particulates together into a larger mass.
agglomeration
the process by which precipitation particles grow larger by collision or contact with cloud particles or other precipitation particles.
agglutination
the process of uniting solid particles coated with a thin layer of adhesive material or of arresting solid particles by impact on a surface coated with an adhesive.
aggradation
building up of land surfaces by sedimentation or deposition of mineral matter. The depositional process itself. The growth of a permafrost area.
agricultural pollution
the liquid and solid wastes from farming, including, runoff from pesticides, fertilizers, and feed- lots; erosion and dust from plowing; animal manure and carcasses, crop residues, and debris.
AGST
Aboveground Storage Tanks
AHERA
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (1986); federal law requiring LEAs to identify asbestos hazards and develop abatement plans.
AHM
Acutely Hazardous Material.
AHW
Acutely Hazardous Waste.
AI
Artificial Intelligence.
AIA
American Institute of Architects.
AIA
Asbestos Information Association.
AIC
Acceptable Intake - Chronic.
AlChE
American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
AICPA
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
AICS
Australian Inventory Chemical Substances. A list of chemical substances which may be used commercially in Australia . Similar to TSCA Chemical Substances Inventory.
AICUZ
Air Installation Compatible Use Zones.
AID
Agency for International Development.
AIHA
American Industrial Hygiene Association.
AIHC
American Industrial Health Council.
AIME
American Institute of Metallurgical, Mining and Petroleum Engineers.
air agitation
agitation of a liquid medium through the use of air pressure injected into the liquid.
airborne particulates
total suspended particulate matter found in the atmosphere as solid particles or liquid droplets. The chemical composition of particulates varies widely, depending on location and time of year. Airborne particulates include windblown dust, emissions from industrial processes, smoke from the burning of wood and coal, and the exhaust of motor vehicles.
airborne release
release of any chemical into the air.
air changes per hour (ACH)
the movement of a volume of air in a given time; if a house has one air change per hour, it means that all of the air in the house will be replaced in a one- hour period.
air contaminant
any particulate matter, gas, or combination thereof, other than water vapor or natural air. (See: Air Pollutant).
air curtain
a method of containing oil spills, air bubbling through a perforated pipe causes an upward water flow that slows the spread of oil. It can also be used to stop fish from entering polluted water.
air-liquid interface
boundary layer between the air and the liquid in which mass transfer is diffusion controlled.
air mass
a widespread body of air that gains certain characteristics while set in one location. The characteristics change as it moves away.
air monitoring
see monitoring.
air pollutant
any substance in air which could, if in high enough concentration, harm man, other animals, vegetation, or material. Pollutants may include almost any natural or artificial composition of matter capable of being airborne. They may be in the form of solid particles, liquid droplets, gases, or in combinations of these forms. Generally, they fall into two main groups: (1) those emitted directly from identifiable sources; and (2) those produced in the air by interaction between two or more primary pollutants, or by reaction with normal atmospheric constituents, with or without photoactivation. Exclusive of pollen, fog, and dust, which are of natural origin, about 100 contaminants have been identified and fall into these categories: solids, sulfur compounds, volatile organic chemicals, nitrogen compounds, oxygen compounds, halogen compounds, radioactive compounds, and odors.
air pollution
the presence of contaminant substances in the air that do not disperse properly and interfere with human health.
air pollution episode
a period of abnormally high concentration of air pollutants, often due to low winds and temperature inversion that can cause illness and death.
air quality control region
an area designated by the Federal Government in which communities share a common air pollution problem, sometimes involving several States.
air quality criteria
the levels of pollution and lengths of exposure above which adverse effects may occur on health and welfare.
air quality standards
the level of pollutants prescribed by law that cannot be exceeded during a specified time in a defined area.
AIRS
Aerometric Information Retrieval System.
AISI
American Iron and Steel Institute.
AL
Acceptable Level.
alachlor
a herbicide, marketed under the trade name Lasso, used mainly to control weeds in corn and soybean fields.
ALAPCO
Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officers.
alar
trade name for Daminozide, a pesticide that makes apples redder, firmer, and less likely to drop off trees before growers are ready to pick them. It is also used to a lesser extent on peanuts, tart cherries, concord grapes, and other fruits.
ALARA
acronym for as low as reasonably achievable. Used in radiation control.
ALC
Application Limiting Constituent.
aldicarb
an insecticide sold under the trade name Termik. It is made from ethyl isocyanate.
ALE-30
Anionic Flocculent Powder - Clarification/Settling (ETUS).
Alert
refers to a process involving the sounding of a warning signal to the public concerning the existence of an emergency situation to which they may need to respond.
algae
simple plants containing chlorophyll. Many are microscopic, but under conditions favorable for their growth they grow in colonies and produce mats and similar nuisance masses.
algal blooms
sudden spurts of algal growth, which can affect water quality adversely and indicate potentially hazardous changes in local water chemistry.
aliquot
in math, forming an exact divisor; as 5 is an aliquot of 15.
ALJ
Administrative Law Judge.
alkali
alkalis (or bases) are materials which have Ph values from 8 to 14. Alkalis with pHs between 12 to 14 are considered to be corrosive and will cause severe damage to skin and eyes.
alkalinity
capacity of water to neutralize acids, a property imparted by the water's content of carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides, and, occasionally, borates, silicates and phosphates. (abbr. Alk) - bicarbonate, carbonate, or hydrate amounts in water. Can be expressed as "M" Alk to a methyl orange titration end point or "P" Alk to a phenolphthalein end point.
alkali
broadly, any compound having highly basic properties; i.e., one that readily ionizes in aqueous solution to yield OH anions, with a pH above 7, and turns litmus paper blue. Alkalies are oxides and hydroxides of certain metals and belong to group IA of the periodic table (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr). Ammonia and amines may also be alkaline. Alkalies are caustic and dissolve human tissue. Treat alkali burns by quickly washing the afflicted area with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Common commercial alkalies are sodium carbonate (soda ash), NaOH, lime, lye, potash, caustic soda, KOH, water glass, regular mortar, portland cement, and bicarbonate of soda. See Acid; Base; pH.
alkali
Boiler pH Control - Boiling Water Treatment (ETUS).
alopecia
loss of hair.
alpha particle
a positively charged particle composed of 2 neutrons and 2 protons released by some atoms undergoing radioactive decay. The particle is identical to the nucleus of a helium atom.
ALR
Allergenic effects.
ALR
Action Leakage Rate.
alternate method
any method of sampling and analyzing for an air pollutant which is not a reference or equivalent method but which has been demonstrated in specific cases to EPA's satisfaction to produce results adequate for compliance.
alternative water supplies
as defined by section 101(34) of CERCLA, includes, but is not limited to, drinking water and household water supplies.
alum
a hydrated aluminum sulfate (A12 (SO4)3 14 HàO or potassium aluminum sulfate or ammonium aluminum sulfate. It contains 9.1% aluminum.
AMA
American Medical Association.
ambient
usual or surrounding conditions.
AMBIENS
Atmospheric Mass Balance of Industrially Emitted and Natural Sulfur.
ambient air
any unconfined portion of the atmosphere; open air.
ambient air quality standards
(see: criteria pollutants, National Ambient Air Quality Standards).
AMC
American Mining Congress.
AMC
Army Material Command.
Amersep MP-7
a polythiocarbonate reagent for the precipitation of chelated heavy metals (DREW).
AMIS
Air Management Information System.
amphoteric
capable of reacting in water either as a weak acid or as a weak base. For example, aluminum salts hydrolyze in water to produce a compound that may be considered a weak base, AL(OH), or a weak acid. A property of certain oxides makes them reactive both with acids and bases, AL2O3 is an example.
AMPS
Automatic Mapping and Planning System.
AMS
American Meteorological Society.
AMSA
Association of Metropolitan Sewage Agencies.
anadromous
fish that spend their adult life in the sea but swim upriver to fresh water spawning grounds to reproduce.
anaerobic
life or process that occurs in, or is not destroyed by, the absence of oxygen.
anaerobic biological treatment
any treatment method or process utilizing anaerobic or facultative organisms, in the absence of air, for the purpose of reducing the organic matter in wastes or organic solids settled out from wastes. Typically found in municipal waste treatment.
anaerobic organism
an organism that can thrive in the absence of oxygen.
analgesia
loss of sensitivity to pain.
analysis
separation and measurement of component parts.
analytes
the chemicals for which a sample is analyzed.
ANEC
American Nuclear Energy Council.
anesthesia
loss of sensation or feeling, CNS depression.
ANF-15
Anionic Flocculant - Clarification/Settling (ETUS).
ANF-30
Anionic Flocculant - Clarification/Settling (ETUS).
anhydride
a compound derived from another compound (as an acid) by removing the elements the compose water, i.e., hydrogen and oxygen.
anhydrous
"without water." Describes a substance in which no water molecules are present in the form of a hydrate or as water of crystallization.
anionic
the condition of a polymer, colloid, or large particle having exchangeable cations on its surface and an opposite, negative charge on the substrate.
anion exchange
an ion exchange process in which anions in solution are exchanged for other anions from an ion exchanger.
anions
negatively charged ions in solution e.g., hydroxyl.
ancillary equipment
means any devices including, but not limited to, such devices as piping, fittings, flanges, valves, and pumps used to distribute, meter, or control the flow of regulated substances to and from an UST.
anode
in electrolysis or electrochemical corrosion, a site where metal goes into solution as a cation leaving behind an equivalent of electrons to be transferred to an opposite electrode, called a cathode.
anodizing
the treatment of a metal surface whereby the metal is made anodic.
anorexia
loss of appetite.
anosmia
loss of the sense of smell.
anoxia
a lack of oxygen from inspired air (literally, "without oxygen"). See Hypoxia.
ANPR
Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
ANSI
American National Standards Institute. A privately funded organization that identifies industrial/public national consensus standards and coordinates their development. Many ANSI standards relate to safe design/performance of equipment and safe practices or procedures. (1430 Broadway, New York City , NY 10018 ; (212) 642-4900).
antagonism
the interaction of two chemicals having an opposing, or neutralizing, effect on each other, or given some specific biological effect a chemical interaction that appears to have an opposing or neutralizing effect over what might otherwise be expected.
Antarctic "ozone hole"
refers to the seasonal depletion of ozone in a large area of Antarctica
anticoagulant
a chemical that interferes with blood clotting.
anti-degradation clause
part of air quality and water quality laws that prohibits deterioration where pollution levels are within the legal limit.
antibodies
proteins produced in the body by immune system cells in response to antigens, and capable of combining with antigens.
antidote
a remedy to relieve, prevent, or counteract the effects of a poison. Eliminating the poison, neutralizing it, or absorbing it are effective.
antigens
a substance that causes production of antibodies when introduced into animal or human tissue.
anuria
absence or defective excretion of urine.
ANWR
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
AO
Administrative Order.
AOC
Abnormal Operating Conditions.
AOML
Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.
APA
Acid Precipitation Act.
APA
Administration Procedure Act.
APA
American Planning Association.
APCD
Air Pollution Control District.
APCO
Air Pollution Control Officer.
APER
Air Pollution Emissions Report.
APHA
American Public Health Association.
API
American Petroleum Institute.
API gravity
an index of specific gravity defined by the American Petroleum Institute.
API separator
a simple gravity separator meeting the design standards of the American Petroleum Institute for separation of soil and solids from wastewater.
apnea
A temporary stoppage of breathing.
apnea, apneic
breathing temporarily stopped.
APPA
American Public Power Association.
appearance
the physical state of a material; e.g., powder, gas or liquid. If there is a difference between the appearance of the material and that listed on the MSDS, contact your supervisor.
applicable requirements
means those cleanup standards, standards of control, and other substantive requirements, criteria, or limitations promulgated under federal environmental or state environmental or facility siting laws that specifically address a hazardous substance, pollutant, contaminant, remedial action, location, or other circumstance found at a CERCLA site. Only those state standards that are identified by a state in a timely manner and that are more stringent than federal requirements may be applicable.
APT
Associated Pharmacists and Toxicologists.
APTI
Air Pollution Training Institute.
APTMD
Air, Pesticides, and Toxics Management Division.
APWA
American Public Works Association.
AQCCT
Air Quality Criteria and Control Techniques.
AQCR
Air Quality Control Region.
AQD
Air Quality Digest.
AQDHS
Air Quality Data Handling System.
AQDM
Air Quality Display Model.
AQMA
Air Quality Maintenance Area.
AQMD
Air Quality Management District.
AQMP
Air Quality Management Plan.
AQSM
Air Quality Simulation Model.
AQTAD
Air Quality Technical Assistance Demonstration.
AQTX, aquatic toxicity
the adverse effects on marine life that result from exposure to a toxic substance. See TLm.
aqueous, aq.
describes a water-based solution or suspension.Frequently describes a gaseous compound dissolved in water.Using water as a solvent.
aquifer
a porous, subsurface geological structure carrying or holding water, such as a well.
ARAR
Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirement.
ARB
Air Resources Board.
arbitration
a process for the resolution of disputes. Decisions are made by an impartial arbitrator selected by the parties.These decisions are usually legally binding. (See: Mediation)
ARCHIE
Automated Resource for Chemical Hazard Incident Evaluation.
ARCS
Alternative Remedial Contract Strategy.
area of review
in the UIC program, the area surrounding an injection well that is reviewed during the permitting process to determine whether the injection operation will induce flow between aquifers.
area source
in air pollution, any small individual fuel combustion source, including vehicles. A more precise legal definition is available in Federal regulations.
argyria
local or generalized gray-blue colored impregnation of the body (skin) tissue with silver.
ARIP
Accidental Release Information Program.
ARM
Air Resources Management.
ARO
Alternate Regulatory Option.
ARPO
Acid Rain Policy Office.
ARRPA
Air Resources Regional Pollution Assessment.
ARS-2
Resist Stripper-Semi aqueous - Printed Circuit Chemical (ETUS).
ARS-AQUA
Resist Stripper Aqueous - Printed Circuit Chemical (ETUS).
ARS-TREATA
Treat Spent Stripper - Printed Circuit Chemical (ETUS).
article
a manufactured item that is specifically shaped or formed with its function dependent on its shape or design. It does not release or result in exposure to a hazardous material in normal use.Articles are excluded from hazard laws unless they give off dust or fumes.
ARZ
Auto-Restricted Zone.
AS
Area Source.
ASAP
As Soon As Possible.
asbestos
a mineral fiber that can pollute air or water and cause cancer or asbestosis when inhaled. EPA has banned or severely restricted its use in manufacturing and construction.
asbestosis
a disease associated with chronic exposure to and inhalation of asbestos fibers. The disease makes breathing progressively more difficult and can lead to death.
ASC
Area Source Category.
ASCE
American Society of Civil Engineers.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange.
ASCP
American Society of Consulting Planners.
ASDWA
Association of State Drinking Water Administrators.
ash
the mineral content of a product remaining after complete combustion.
A-scale sound level
a measurement of sound approximating the sensitivity of the human ear, used to note the intensity or annoyance of sounds.
ASHAA
Asbestos in Schools Hazard Abatement Act.
ASHRAE
American Society for Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers.
ASIWPCA
Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators.
ASMDHS
Airshed Model Data Handling System.
ASME
American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
ASPA
American Society of Public Administration.
asphyxia
lack of oxygen and interference with the oxygenation of the blood. Can lead to unconsciousness.
asphyxiant
a vapor or gas that can cause unconsciousness or death by suffocation (lack of oxygen). Most simple asphyxiants are harmful to the body only when they become so concentrated that they reduce (displace) the available oxygen in the air (normally about 21%) to dangerous levels (18% or lower). Examples of simple asphyxiants are COà, Nà, Hà, and He. Chemical asphyxiants like carbon monoxide (CO) reduce the blood's ability to carry oxygen, or like cyanide interfere with the body's utilization of oxygen.
asphyxiation
a condition that causes asphyxia or suffocation.Asphyxiation is one of the principal potential hazardous of working in confined spaces.
aspiration hazard
the danger of drawing material into the lungs, leading to an inflammatory response that can be fatal.
ASPIS
Abandoned Site Program Information System.
ASRL
Atmospheric Sciences Research Laboratory.
ASSE
American Society of Sanitary Engineers.
assimilation
the ability of a body of water to purify itself of pollutants.
assimilation
the ability of a body of water to purify itself of pollutants.
AST
Aboveground Storage Tank.
asthma
a disease characterized by recurrent attacks of dyspnea, wheezing, and perhaps coughing caused by spasmodic contraction of the main airways in the lungs.
ASTHO
Association of State and Territorial Health Officers.
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials. It is the world's largest source of voluntary consensus standards for material, products, systems, and services. ASTM is a resource for sampling and testing methods, health and safety aspects of materials, safe performance guidelines, effects of physical and biological agents and chemicals.
ASTSWMO
Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials.
asymptomatic
neither causing nor exhibiting symptoms.
AT
Advanced Treatment.
ATA
American Trucking Association.
ataxia
loss of reflexes or muscular coordination. Depending on muscles affected signs can include - twitching, stumbling or unsteady walk, shaking, and slurred speech.EXAMPLE LAY LANGUAGE: Loss of muscle control (indicate muscles involved, e.g, staggering gait).
atm
atmosphere. Pressure measurement. One atm = 14.7 lbs/in2. The pressure exerted by the air at sea level that supports a column of mercury 760 mm high (about 30 in.), expressed as 760 mm Hg. One torr - 1 mm Hg.
ATMI
American Textile Manufacturing Institute.
atmosphere
1. a standard unit of pressure representing the pressure exerted by a 29.92 inch column of mercury at sea level at 45 degrees latitude and equal to 1000 grams per square centimeter. 2. the whole mass of air surrounding the earth, composed largely of oxygen and nitrogen.
atomic pile
a nuclear reactor.
atrophy
reduction in size or function of tissue, organs, or the entire body caused by lack of use.
ATSDR
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; federal agency within the Public Health Service charged with carrying out the health-related responsibilities of CERCLA and RCRA.
ATTF
Air Toxics Task Force.
attractant
a chemical or agent that lures insects or other pests by stimulating their sense of smell.
attrition
wearing or grinding down a substance by friction. A contributing factor in air pollution, as with dust.
audiometer
an instrument that measures hearing sensitivity.
autoignition temperature
the minimum temperature at which a substance ignites without application of a flame or spark. Do not heat materials to greater than 80% of this temperature.
autotrophic
an organism that produces food from inorganic substances.
Avogadro's number
the number of molecules in a gram-molecular weight of any substance.
AWISE
Association of Women in Science and Engineering.
AWMA
Air and Waste Management Association.
AWPI
American Wood Preservers Institute.
A/WPR
Air/Water Pollution Report.
AWQC
Ambient Water-Quality Criteria.
AWRA
American Water Resources Association.
AWWA
American Water Works Association.
AWWARF
American Water Works Association Research Foundation.
AWWUC
American Water Works Utility Council.
