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Environmental Dictionary G-K - Environmental Links - 1/1/2015 - Health Asbestos Asbestosis Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Environmental Dictionary G-K

Go Ahead.

GAAP

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

GAC

Granular Activated Carbon.

GACT

Generally Available Control Technology.

GACT

Granular Activated Carbon Treatment.

galvanic couple

the connection of two dissimilar metals in an electrolyte that results in current flow through the circuit.

game fish

species like trout, salmon, bass, etc. caught for sport. They show more sensitivity to environmental changes than "rough" fish.

gamma ray

the most penetrating waves of radiant nuclear energy. They can be stopped by dense materials like lead.

gamma radiation

gamma rays are true rays of energy in contrast to alpha and beta radiation. The properties are similar to x-rays and other electromagnetic waves. They are the most penetrating waves of radiant nuclear energy but can be blocked by dense materials such as lead.

gang mixer

a multiple unit stirrer.

gangrene

death of tissue leading to its rotting.

gangue

the earthy material remaining from one beneficiation.

GAO

General Accounting Office; assists Congress in carrying out legislative and oversight responsibilities.

garbage

see food waste.

garbage grinding

use of a household disposal to crush food waste and wash it into the sewer system.

gas

a formless fluid that occupies the space of its enclosure.It can settle to the bottom or top of an enclosure when mixed with other materials. It can be changed to its liquid or solid state only by increased pressure and decreased temperature.

gasification

conversion of a solid material, such as coal, into a gas for use as fuel.

gastric lavage

washing out of the stomach using a tube and fluids.Pumping the stomach.

gastroenteritis

inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

gastrointestinal tract

the stomach and intestine as a functional unit. Also GI tract.

gastric lavage

Medical procedure involving irrigation or washing out of the stomach.

gathering lines

means any pipeline, equipment, facility, or building used in the transportation of oil or gas during oil or gas production or gathering operations.

gavage

feeding by means of a stomach tube.

Gas Chromatograph(y).

General Counsel.

GC/CON

Gas Chromatography/Conductivity Detector.

GC/ECD

Gas Chromatography/Electron Capture Detector.

GC/FID

Gas Chromatograph/Flame Ionization Detector.

GC/MS

Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrograph.

GC/MS

Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry.

GC/PID

Gas Chromatograph/Photoionization Detector.

GEI

Geographic Enforcement Initative.

Geiger counter

an electrical device that detects the presence of radioactivity.

gelular

a jellylike appearance with no apparent physical pores.

GEMI

Global Environmental Management Initative.

GEMS

Global Environmental Monitoring System.

GEMS

Graphical Exposure Modeling System.

gene

a length of DNA that directs the synthesis of a protein.

gene library

a collection of DNA fragments from cells or organisms. So far, no simple way for sorting the contents of gene libraries has been devised. However, DNA pieces can be moved into bacterial cells where sorting according to gene function becomes feasible.

general permit

a permit applicable to a class or category of dischargers.

general ventilation

also known as dilution ventilation. The removal of contaminated air and its replacement with clean air from the general workplace area as opposed to local ventilation, which is specific air changing in the immediate air of a contamination source. An example of local ventilation is a laboratory fume hood.

generator

a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

generator

a facility or mobile source that emits pollutants into the air or releases hazardous wastes into water or soil.

generator

a person, group or organization whose activities produce hazardous waste.

generic name

a designation or identification such as code name, code number, trade name, or brand name used to identify a chemical by other than its chemical name.

genetic engineering

a process of inserting new genetic information into existing cells in order to modify any organism for the purpose of changing one of its characteristics.

GEP

Good Engineering Practice.

germicide

any compound that kills disease-carrying microorganisms. These must be registered as pesticides with EPA.

gestation

The development of the fetus in the uterus from conception to birth; pregnancy. EXAMPLE LAY LANGUAGE: Pregnancy.

GFAA

Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption.

GFD

Geotechnical Field Drilling.

GFF

Glass Fiber Filter.

GI, GIT

see Gastrointestinal Tract.

GIGO

Garbage In - Garbage Out.

gingivitis

inflammation of the gums.

GIS

Geographic Information Systems.

GIS

Global Indexing System.

GLC

Gas Liquid Chromatography.

GMCC

Global Monitoring for Climatic Change.

g/mi

Grams per Mile.

g-mole

Gram-Mole.

GMT

Greenwich Mean Time.

GNP

Gross National Product.

GPAD

Gallons per Acre per Day.

GPG

Grams per Gallon.

GPM

Gallons Per Minute.

GPR

Ground-Penetrating Radar.

GPS

Groundwater Protection Strategy.

grain

a unit of weight equal to 65 milligrams or 2/1,000 of an ounce.

grain loading

the rate at which particles are emitted from a pollution source -- measurement is made by the numbers of grains per cubic foot of gas emitted.

grains per gallon

a unit of concentration 1 gr/gal = 17.1 mg/L.

granular activated carbon treatment

a filtering system often used in small water systems and individual homes to remove organics. GAC can be highly effective in removing elevated levels of radon from water.

GRAS

generally recognized as safe. A phase applied to food additives approved by the FDA.

gravimetric

measurement by weight.

gray water

the term given to domestic wastewater composed of washwater from sinks, kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks and tubs, and laundry tubs.

grease

in wastewater, a group of substances including fats, waxes, free fatty acids, calcium and magnesium soaps, mineral oils, and certain other nonfatty materials. The type of solvent and method used for extraction should be stated for quantification.

green belt

buffer zones created by restricting development from certain land areas.

greenhouse effect

the warming of our atmosphere caused by buildup of carbon dioxide, which allows light from the Sun's rays to heat the Earth but prevents loss of the heat.

green liquor

the liquor resulting from dissolving molten smelt from the kraft recovery furnace in water.

green sand

a natural mineral, primarily composed of complex silicates, which possess ion exchange properties.

GRGL

Groundwater Residue Guidance Level.

grinder pump

a mechanical device which shreds solids and raises the fluid to a higher elevation through pressure sewers.

gross alpha particle activity

total activity due to emission of alpha particles. Used as the screening measurement for radioactivity generally due to naturally-occurring radionuclides.Activity is commonly measured in picocuries.

gross beta particle activity

total activity due to emission of beta particles. Used as the screening measurement for radioactivity from man-made radionuclides since the decay products of fission are beta particles and gamma ray emitters. Activity is commonly measured in picocuries.

ground cover

plants grown to keep soil from eroding.

grounding

a safety practice to conduct any electrical charge to the ground, preventing sparks that could ignite a flammable material. See Bonding.

groundwater

the supply of fresh water found beneath the Earth's surface, usually in aquifers, which is often used for supplying wells and springs. Because groundwater is a major source of drinking water there is growing concern over areas where leaching agricultural or industrial pollutants or substances from leaking underground storage tanks are contaminating groundwater.

groundwater under the direct influence of surface water

means any water beneath the surface of the ground with(1)algae, or large-diameter pathogens such as Giardia lamblia, or(2) significant and relatively rapid shifts in water characteristics such as turbidity, temperature, conductivity, or pH which closely correlate to climatological or surface water conditions. Direct influence must be determined for individual sources in accordance with criteria established by the State.The State determination of direct influence may be based on site- specific measurements of water quality and/or documentation of well construction characteristics and geology with field evaluation.

General Schedule.

Geological Survey.

GSA

General Services Administration.

GVP

Gasoline Vapor Pressure.

GWC

Geotechnical Well Construction.

GWM

Ground-Water Monitoring.

GWPS

Groundwater Protection Standard.

GWPS

Groundwater Protection Strategy.

GWTF

Groundwater Task Force.

habitat

the sum of environmental conditions in a specific place that is occupied by an organism, population or community.

HAD

Health Assessment Document.

half-life

the time taken by certain materials to lose half their strength. For example, the half life of DDT is 15 years; of radium 1,580 years. The time required for half of the atoms of a radioactive element to undergo decay. The time required for the elimination of one half a total dose from the body.

halogen

any of a group of 5 chemically-related nonmetallic elements that includes bromine, fluorine, chlorine, iodine, and astatine.

halon

bromine containing compounds with long atmospheric life- times whose breakdown in the stratosphere cause depletion of ozone. Halons are used in fire fighting.

hammermill

a high-speed machine that uses hammers and cutters to crush, grind, chip, or shred solid wastes.

HAP

hazardous air pollutant; any of 190 air toxics identified for regulation under the CAA Amendments.

HAPEMS

Hazardous Air Pollutant Enforcement Management System.

HAPPS

Hazardous Air Pollutant Prioritization System.

HAR

Hydrogeological Assessment Report.

hardness

a characteristic of water, imparted by salts of calcium, magnesium and iron, such as bicarbonates, carbonates, sulfates, chlorides and nitrates, that cause curdling of soap, deposition of scale, damage in some industrial processes and sometimes objectionable taste. It may be determined by a standard laboratory procedure or computed from the amounts of calcium and magnesium as well as iron, aluminum, manganese, barium, strontium and zinc, and is expressed as equivalent calcium carbonate.

hard water

alkaline water containing dissolved mineral salts, that interfere with some industrial processes and prevent soap from lathering.

HATREMS

Hazardous and Trace Emissions System.

hazard communication rule

see OSH Act. Requires chemical manufacturers and importers to assess the hazards associated with the materials in their workplace (29 CFR 1910, 1200).Material safety data sheets, labeling, and training are all results of this law. You are urged to acquire and become familiar with these regulations. Contact your local OSHA office.

hazard warning

Defined by OSHA as any words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof appearing on a label or other appropriate form of warning which convey the hazard(s) of the chemical(s) in the container(s).

hazardous air pollutants

air pollutants which are not covered by ambient air quality standards but which, as defined in the Clean Air Act, may reasonably be expected to cause or contribute to irreversible illness or death. Such pollutants include asbestos, beryllium, mercury, benzene, coke oven emissions, radionuclides, and vinyl chloride.

hazardous chemical, material

in a broad sense, any substance or mixture of substances having properties capable of producing adverse effects on the health or safety of a human. In 1971 OSHA adopted the following definition in regulations affecting employers in operations subject to the Federal Longshoremen's and Harbor Worker's Compensation Act. "The term Hazardous Material means a material which has one or more of the following characteristics; (1) Has a flash point below 140 degrees F, closed cup, or is subject to spontaneous heating; (2) has a threshold limit value below 500 ppm for gases and vapors, below 500 mg/m3 for fumes, and below 25 mppcf (million particles per cubic foot) for dust; (3) Has a single dose oral LD50 below 50 mg/kg; (4) Is subject to polymerization with the release of large amounts of energy; (5) Is a strong oxidizing or reducing agent; (6) Causes first degree burns to skin (from a) short time exposure, or is systemically toxic by skin contact; or (7) In the course of normal operations may produce dusts, gases, fumes, vapors, mists, or smokes which have one or more of the above characteristics." Also included are substances that are carcinogens, toxic, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.

hazardous decomposition

a breaking down or separation of a substance into its constituent parts, elements, or into simpler compounds accompanied by the release of heat, gas, or hazardous materials.

hazardous decomposition products

some materials give off hazardous materials when they decompose or burn.

hazard quotient

the ratio of a single substance exposure level over a specified time period (e.g., subchronic) to a reference dose for that substance derived from a similar exposure period).

hazardous air pollution

substances covered by Air Quality Criteria, which may cause or contribute to illness or death; asbestos, beryllium, mercury, and vinyl chloride.

Hazardous Ranking System

the principle screening tool used by EPA to evaluate risks to public health and the environment associated with abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. The HRS calculates a score based on the potential of hazardous substances spreading from the site through the air, surface water, or ground water and on other factors such as nearby population. This score is the primary factor in deciding if the site should be on the National Priorities List and, if so, what ranking it should have compared to other sites on the list.

hazardous substance

1. any material that poses a threat to human health and/or the environment. Typical hazardous substances are toxic, corrosive, ignitable, explosive or chemically reactive. 2. any substance designated by EPA to be reported if a designated quantity of the substance is spilled in the waters of the United States or if otherwise emitted to the environment. As defined by section 101(14) of CERCLA, means: Any substance designated pursuant to section 311(b)(2)(A) of the CWA; any element, compound, mixture, solution, or substance designated pursuant to section 102 of CERCLA; any hazardous waste having the characteristics identified under or listed pursuant to section 3001 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (but not including any waste the regulation of which under the Solid Waste Disposal Act has been suspended by Act of Congress); any toxic pollutant listed under section 307(a) of the CWA; any hazardous air pollutant listed under section 112 of the Clean Air Act; and any imminently hazardous chemical substance or mixture with respect to which the EPA Administrator has taken action pursuant to section 7 of the Toxic Substances Control Act.The term does not include petroleum, including crude oil or any fraction thereof which is not otherwise specifically listed or designated as a hazardous substance in the first sentence of this paragraph, and the term does not include natural gas, natural gas liquids, liquefied natural gas, or synthetic gas usable for fuel (or mixtures of natural gas and such synthetic gas).

hazardous substance UST system

means an underground storage tank system that contains a hazardous substance defined in section 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (but not including any substance regulated as a hazardous waste under subtitle C) or any mixture of such substances and petroleum, and which is not a petroleum UST system.

hazardous waste

under RCRA, any solid, liquid or combination of solid or liquid wastes, which, because of its physical chemical or infectious characteristics, may pose a hazard when improperly managed.

hazardous waste number

an identification number assigned by the EPA, per the RCRA Law, to identify and track wastes. (40 CFR 261.33, 40 CFR 302.4).

hazards analysis

the procedures involved in: (1) identifying potential sources of release of hazardous materials from fixed facilities or transportation accidents; (2) determining the vulnerability of a geographical area to a release of hazardous materials; and (3) comparing hazards to determine which present greater or lesser risks to a community.

hazards identification

1. Providing information on which facilities have extremely hazardous substances, what those chemicals are, and how much there is at each facility. The process also provides information on how the chemicals are stored and whether they are used at high temperatures.2. The process of determining whether exposure to an agent can cause an increase in the incidence of a particular adverse health effect (e.g., cancer, birth defect) and whether the adverse health effect is likely to occur in humans.

HAZMAT

Hazardous Material.

HAZOP

Hazard and Operability Study.

HAZWOPER

Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response regulations; OSHA standards applying to hazardous waste site workers and emergency response personnel; covered in 29 CFR 1910.120.

HBEP

Hispanic and Black Employment Programs.

Hazardous Constituents.

HCFC

Hydrochlorofluorocarbon; family of substances temporarily allowed as CFC substitutes in refrigerants and industrial applications.

HCP

Hypothermal Coal Process.

HCS

Hazard Communication Standard; OSHA standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requiring communication of hazardous materials risks to workers in regulated facilities.

HDV

Heavy Duty Vehicle.

head loss

the drop in pressure of a water flow through a resin bed.

health hazard

A chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established scientific Principles that acute or chronic health effect may occur in exposed employees. The term "health hazard" includes chemicals which are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on the hematopoietic system, and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.

heat island effect

a haze dome created in cities by pollutants combining with the heat trapped in the spaces between tall buildings. This haze prevents natural cooling of air, and in the absence of strong winds can hold high concentrations of pollutants in one place.

heating oil

means petroleum that is No. 1, No. 2, No. 4--light, No. 4--heavy, No. 5--light, No. 5--heavy, and No. 6 technical grades of fuel oil; other residual fuel oils (including Navy Special Fuel Oil and Bunker C); and other fuels when used as substitutes for one of these fuel oils. Heating oil is typically used in the operation of heating equipment, boilers, or furnaces.

heating season

the coldest months of the year, when pollution increases in some areas because people burn fossil fuels to keep warm.

heat rate

an expression of heat-conversion to power, given in Btu/kWh. Theoretical conversion is 3413 Btu/kWh.

heavy metals

metals which can be precipitated by hydrogen sulfide in acid solution, e.g., lead, silver, gold, mercury, bismuth, copper, nickel, iron, chromium, zinc, cadmium and tin.

HEM

Human Exposure Modeling.

hematuria

blood in the urine.

hemolysis, hemolytic

separation of the hemoglobin from red blood corpuscles.

Henry's law

an expression for calculating the solubility of a gas in a fluid based on temperature and partial pressure.

HEPA

high-efficiency particulate air filter. Also called "absolute". Has a 99.97% removal efficiency for .03-micron particles.

hepatic

pertaining to the liver.

heptachlor

an insecticide that was banned on some food products in 1975 and all of them 1978. It was allowed for use in seed treatment until in 1983. More recently is was found in milk and other dairy products in Arkansas and Missouri, as a result of illegally feeding treated seed to dairy cattle.

hepato

Prefix meaning the liver.

hepatotoxins

Chemicals which produce liver damage. EXAMPLE LAY LANGUAGE: (Potential) Liver toxins, may cause liver damage.

herbicide

a chemical that controls or destroys undesirable plants.

herbivore

an animal that feeds on plants.

heterotrophic organism

consumers such as humans and animals, and decomposers - chiefly bacteria and fungi - that are dependent on organic matter for food.

HEX-BCH

Hexachloronorbornadiene.

HFX

Fluoride Removal-Chelate (ETUS).

HHC

Highly Hazardous Chemical.

HHS

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

HHV

Higher Heating Value.

HHW

Household Hazardous Waste.

Hazard Index.

high density polyethylene

a material used to make plastic bottles that produces toxic fumes when burned.

high level radioactive waste (HLW)

waste generated in the fuel of a nuclear reactor, found at nuclear reactors or nuclear fuel reprocessing plants. It is a serious threat to anyone who comes near the wastes without shielding. (See Low-Level Radioactive Waste).

highly toxic chemical (poison)

A chemical falling within any of the following categories:(1) A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 50 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.(2) A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 200 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less, if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between 2 and 3 kilograms each.(3) A chemical that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) of gas or vapor in air of 200 parts per million (ppm) or less by volume, or 2 milligrams per liter or less of mist, fume, or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for 1 hour (or less, if death occurs within 1 hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each, provided such concentration or condition, or both, are likely to be encountered by man when the chemical is used in any reasonably foreseeable manner.(4) A chemical that is a liquid having a saturated vapor concentration (ppm) at 68¿F (20 ¿C) equal to or greater than ten times it LC50 (vapor) value (ppm), if the LC50 value 1000 parts per million (ppm) or less when administered by continuous inhalation for 1 hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each, provided such concentration, or condition, or both, are likely to be encountered by man when the chemical is used in any reasonably foreseeable manner.

hindered settling

a stage of settling where the accumulated settled solids have compacted to an extent that egress of water from the mass in hindered and, therefore, settling is slowed.

hi-volume samples

a device used to measure and analyze suspended particulate pollution.

HLRW

High-Level Radioactive Waste.

HMCRI

Hazardous Materials Control Research Institute.

HM-EEM

Hazardous Materials-Exercise Evaluation Methodology

HMIS

the hazardous materials identification system, developed by NPCA to provide information on the acute health hazards, reactivity, and flammability encountered in the workplace at room temperatures.A number is assigned to a material indicating the degree of hazard, from 0 for the least up to 4 for the most severe. Letters designate personal protective equipment. (Details available from Labelmaster, 5742 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, IL 60646; [312] 478-0900). See NPCA.

HMR

Hazardous Materials Regulations; administered and enforced by various agencies of DOT governing transportation of hazardous materials by air, highway, rail, water and intermodal means.

HMSP

Hazardous Materials Storage Ordinance.

HMTA

Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (1974, 1990); federal law assigning authority to various agencies to enforce hazardous materials transportation regulations.

HMTR

Hazardous Materials Transportation Regulations.

HMTUSA

Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act (199); amendments to HMTA including requirements for performance-oriented packaging.

HOC

Halogenated Organic Compounds.

HOC

Hazardous Organic Constituents.

holding pond

a pond or reservoir usually made of earth built to store polluted runoff.

HON

Hazardous Organic NESHAP.

hood capture efficiency

the emissions from a process which are captured by hood and directed into the control device, expressed as a percent of all emissions.

host

(1) in genetics, the organism, typically a bacterium, into which a gene from another organism is transplanted. (2) in medicine, an animal infected by or parasitized by another organism.

hot

slang for radioactive material.

Hot Zone

refers to the area immediately surrounding a hazardous materials incident/accident that extends to such a distance as to prevent adverse effects from the release to personnel located outside of this zone. Also referred to as the exclusion zone of restricted zone.

HOV

High Occupancy Vehicle.

HPLC

High Performance Liquid Chromatrography.

HPV

High Priority Violator.

HRS

Hazard Ranking System.

HSBD

Hazardous Substance Data Base.

HSL

Hazardous Substance List.

HSP

Health and Safety Plan.

HSWA

Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (1984); amendments to RCRA establishing a timetable for landfill bans and more stringent UST requirements.

Hypothermally Treated.

HTP

High Temperature and Pressure.

HUD

Housing and Urban Development.

humidification

the addition of water vapor to air.

humus

decomposed organic material.

Verwarming, ventilatie en air conditioning

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

HVIO

High Volume Industrial Organics.

HWAC

Hazardous Waste Action Coalition.

HWCL

Hazardous Waste Control Law.

HWDMS

Hazardous Waste Data Management System.

HWERL

Hazardous Waste Engineering Research Laboratory.

HWGTF

Hazardous Waste Ground Water Task Force.

HWGTF

Hazardous Waste Ground Water Test Facility.

HWIS

Hazardous Waste Information System.

HWLT

Hazardous Waste Land Treatment.

HWM

Hazardous Waste Management.

HWRTF

Hazardous Waste Restrictions Task Force.

HWTC

Hazardous Waste Treatment Council.

hybrid

a cell or organism resulting from a cross between two unlike plant or animal cells or organisms.

hybridoma

a hybrid cell that produces monoclonal antibodies in large quantities.

hydration

the chemical combination of water into a substance.

hydraulic lift tank

means a tank holding hydraulic fluid for a closed-loop mechanical system that uses compressed air or hydraulic fluid to operate lifts, elevators, and other similar devices.

hydraulics

a movement or action resulting from liquid flow.

hydrocarbons

compounds found in fossil fuels, that contain carbon and hydrogen and may be carcinogenic.

hydrogen sulfide

the gas emitted during organic decomposition that smells like rotten eggs. It is also a byproduct of oil refining and burning and can cause illness in heavy concentrations.

hydrogeology

the geology of ground water, with particular emphasis on the chemistry and movement of water.

hydrologic cycle

the water cycle, including precipitation of water from the atmosphere as rain or snow, flow of water over or through the earth and evaporation or transpiration to water vapor in the atmosphere.

hydrology

the science dealing with the properties, distribution, and circulation of water.

hydrolysis

the splitting of a salt and water into its ions and formation of a weak acid or base, or both. As in ion exchange: R-NH4+OH- -> R-H+ + NH4+OH- where R- is a WAC resin.

hydrometer

a device to measure specific gravity of fluids.

hydrophilic

having an affinity for water. Its opposite, non- water-wettable, is hydrophobic. Describing materials having large molecules that tend to absorb and retain water, causing them to swell and frequently to become gels. See Deliquescent.

hydroxyl

the anion of water or OH-, also present in all hydroxides.

hygroscopic

readily adsorbing available moisture in any form.See Deliquescent.

hyperemia

congestion of blood in a body part.

hypergolic

self-igniting upon contact of its components without a spark or external aid; especially rocket fuel or a propellant that consists of combinations of fuels and oxidizers.

hypocalcemia

calcium deficiency of the blood.

hypoxia

insufficient oxygen, especially applied to body cells.See anoxia.

Interagency Agreement.

IAEA

International Atomic Energy Agency.

IAG

Interagency Agreement.

IAP

Indoor Air Pollution.

IAQ

Indoor Air Quality.

IARC

International Agency for Research on Cancer. One of the three sources that OSHA refers to for data on a material's carcinogenicity. (World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; distributed in the USA from 49 Sheridan Avenue, Albany, NY 12210 (518) 436-9686).

IARDB

Interim Air Toxics Data Base.

IBA

Industrial Biotechnology Association.

Incident Commander

Ion Chromatography.

ICAP

Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma.

ICBN

International Commission on the Biological Effects of Noise.

ICC

Interstate Commerce Commission.

IC50

A calculated statistical value whereby a concentration causes inhibition of an effect, behavior, or biological action to 50% of the treated subjects or animals.

ICP

Inductively Coupled Plasma.

ICP-AES

Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrophotometry.

ICRD

Ignitability, Corrosivity, Reactivity, Extraction.

ICS

Incident Command System

ICWM

Institute for Chemical Waste Management.

Inside Diameter.

identity

Any chemical or common name which is indicated on the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the chemical. The identity used shall permit cross-references to be made among the required list of hazardous chemicals, the label and the MSDS.

IDLH

immediately dangerous to life and health. Used to determine selection of a respirator. The maximum concentration from which one could escape within 30 minutes without any escape-impairing symptoms or irreversible health effects. Also, IDLH conditions and conditions that would lead to an IDLH exposure.

IEB

International Environment Bureau.

IEMP

Integrated Environmental Management Project.

IF-25

Flocculant/Coagulant - Clarification/Settling (ETUS).

IFB

Invitation for Bid.

IFCAM

Industrial Fuel Choice Analysis Model.

IFIS

Industry File Information System.

IFPP

Industrial Fugitive Process Particulate.

Inspector General.

ignitable

capable of burning or causing a fire.

ignition temperature

the lowest temperature at which a combustible material ignites in air and continues to burn independently of the source of heat.

IH-24

Acid Type Chelator (ETUS).

I&M

Inspection & Maintenance.

IMDG Code, IMO Classification

the IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) Code assigns divisions, classes, and codes to materials in shipment. These are explosives, flammables, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives, and other regulated substances. The code also assigns labeling and the DOT UN/NA and PINs. (International Maritime Organization, 4 Albert Embankment, London, SE 175R, United Kingdom).

immediate hazard

A hazard with immediate effect(s). See acute health effects.

immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH)

the maximum level to which a healthy individual can be exposed to a chemical for 30 minutes and escape without suffering irreversible health effects or impairing symptoms. Used as a"level of concern".(See: level of concern).

IMPACT

Integrated Model of Plumes and Atmosphere in Complex Terrain.

impedance

the rate at which a substance absorbs and transmits sound.

impervious

describes a material that does not allow another substance to penetrate or pass through it.

implementing agency

means EPA, or, in the case of a state with a program approved under section 9004 (or pursuant to a memorandum of agreement with EPA), the designated state or local agency responsible for carrying out an approved UST program.

implementation plan

an outline of steps needed to meet environmental quality standards by a set time.

importer

The first business with employees within the Customs Territory of the United States which receives hazardous chemicals produced in other countries for the Purpose of supplying them to distributors or employers within the United States.

impoundment

a body of water confined by a dam, dike, floodgate, or other barrier.

IMPROVE

Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environment.

Incident/Accident

refers to a release or the potential for a release of a hazardous material.

Incident Command System

refers a system to manage the combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications operating within a common organizational structure with responsibility for the management of assigned resources to effectively accomplish stated objectives pertaining to an incident.

Incident Commander

refers to the individual responsible for the management of all incident operations.

incineration

(1) burning of certain types of solid, liquid or gaseous materials. (2) a treatment technology involving destruction of waste by controlled burning at high temperatures, e.g., burning sludge to remove the water and reduce the remaining residues to a safe, non-burnable ash which can be disposed of safely on land, in some waters or in underground locations.

incineration at sea

disposal of waste by burning at sea on specially-designed incinerator ships.

incinerator

a controlled chamber where waste substances are burned.

incompatible

describes materials that could cause dangerous reactions and the release of energy from direct contact with one another.

incompatible pollutants

those pollutants which would cause harm to, adversely affect the performance of, or be inadequately treated in publicly owned treatment works.

indian tribe

as defined by section 101(36) of CERCLA, means any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village but not including any Alaska Native regional or village corporation, which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.

indicator

in biology, an organism, species, or community that shows the presence of certain environmental conditions.

indirect discharge

introduction of pollutants from a non- domestic source into a publicly owned waste treatment system Indirect dischargers can be commercial or industrial facilities whose wastes go into the local sewers.

indoor air

the breathing air inside a habitable structure or conveyance.

indoor air pollution

chemical, physical, or biological contaminants in indoor air.

indoor climate

temperature, humidity, lighting and noise levels in a habitable structure or conveyance. Indoor climate can affect indoor air pollution.

industrial wastes

liquid wastes from industrial processes, as distinct from domestic or sanitary wastes.

inert gas

a vapor that doesn't react with other substances under ordinary conditions.

inert ingredient

anything other than the active ingredient in a product; not having active properties. Inert ingredients may be hazardous. For example, the propellant gas in aerosol spray can products such as hair spray is flammable.

inert media

a resin with no reactive groups.

inertial separator

a device that uses centrifugal force to separate waste particles.

infiltration

(1) the penetration of water through the ground surface into sub-surface soil or the penetration of water from the soil into sewer or other pipes through defective joints, connections, or manhole walls. (2) a land application technique where large volumes of waste water are applied to land, allowed to penetrate the surface and percolate through the underlying soil. (See: percolation).

inflammable

capable of being easily set on fire and continuing to burn, especially violently.

inflammation

a series of reactions produced in tissue by an irritant, injury, or infection. An influx of blood and fluids causes redness and swelling.

inflow

entry of extraneous rain water into a sewer system from sources other than infiltration, such as basement drains, manholes, storm drains, and street washing.

influent

water, wastewater, or other liquid flowing into a reservoir, basin, or treatment plant.

information file

in the Superfund program, a file that contains accurate, up-to-date documents on a Superfund site. The file is usually located in a public building such as a school, library, or city hall that is convenient for local residents.

ingestion

the taking in of a substance through the mouth for digestion.

inhalation, ihl.

the breathing in of a substance in the form of a gas, vapor, fume, mist, or dust.

inhalation hazard

DOT A chemical that is a liquid having a saturated vapor concentration (ppm) at 68¿F (20¿C) equal to or greater than ten times its LC50 (vapor) value (ppm), if the LC50 value is 1000 parts per million (ppm) or less when administered by continuous Inhalation for 1 hour (or less, if death occurs within I hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each, provided such concentration, or condition, or both, are likely to be encountered by man when the chemical is used in any reasonable foreseeable manner.

INHIBIT

Cooling Water Treatment (ETUS).

inhibitor

a chemical that interferes with a chemical reaction, such as corrosion or precipitation.

injection well

a well into which fluids are injected for purposes such as waste disposal, improving the recovery of crude oil, or solution mining.

injection zone

a geological formation, group of formations, or part of a formation receiving fluids through a well.

inland waters

for the purposes of classifying the size of discharges, means those waters of the United States in the inland zone, waters of the Great Lakes, and specified ports and harbors on inland rivers.

inland zone

means the environment inland of the coastal zone excluding the Great Lakes and specified ports and harbors on inland rivers. The term inland zone delineates an area of federal responsibility for response action. Precise boundaries are determined by EPA/USCG agreements and identified in federal regional contingency plans.

Innocent landowner defense

legal defense under Superfund for a person who unknowingly purchase contaminated property after exercising "due diligence" to uncover contamination prior to acquisition.

inoculum

(1) bacteria placed in compost to start biological action. (2) a medium containing organisms which is introduced into cultures or living organisms.

inorganic

compounds not containing carbon. Non plant or animal.

inorganic chemicals

chemical substances of mineral origin, not of basically carbon structure.

inorganic materials

compounds derived from other than vegetable or animal sources that do not generally contain carbon atoms. Some simple carbon compounds are considered inorganic (i.e., carbides, COx, carbonates, CS2).

insecticide

a pesticide compound specifically used to kill or control the growth of insects.

in situ

refers to treatment of contaminated areas without excavation or other removal, as in the in situ treatment of soils through biodegradation of contaminants.

inspection and maintenance (I/M)

(1) activities to assure proper emissions related operation of mobile sources of air pollutants, particularly automobile emissions controls. (2) also applies to wastewater treatment plants and other anti-pollution facilities and processes.

instream use

water use taking place within a stream channel, e.g., hydro-electric power generation, navigation, water-quality.

intake

a measure of exposure expressed as the mass of substance in contact with the exchange boundary per unity body weight per unit time (e.g., mg/kg-day). Also termed the normalized exposure rate.

integrated pest management

combining the best of all useful techniques -- biological, chemical, cultural, physical, and mechanical -- into a custom-made pest control system.

Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

IRIS is an EPA data base containing verified RfDs and slope factors and up-to-date health risk and EPA regulatory information for numerous chemicals.IRIS is EPA's preferred source for toxicity information for Superfund.

interceptor sewers

the collection system that connects main and trunk sewers with the wastewater treatment plant. In a combined sewer system interceptor sewers allow some untreated wastes to flow directly into the receiving streams so the plant won't be overloaded.

interface

the surface between two resins, or resin and a distributor.

interim (permit) status

period during which treatment, storage and disposal facilities coming under RCRA in 1980 are temporarily permitted to operate while awaiting denial or issuance of a permanent permit. Permits issued under these circumstances are usually called "Part A" or "Part B" permits.

interlock

a device which will prevent one action from happening while another action is proceeding.

international programmers registry

an international listing service for programmers provided by SOLUTIONS Software Corporation.

Interstitial Fibrosis

scarring of the lungs.

interstate carrier water supply

a source of water for planes, buses, trains, and ships operating in more than one State. These sources are regulated by the Federal Government.

interstate waters

defined by law as: 1) waters that flow across for form a part of State or international boundaries 2) the Great Lakes and 3) coastal waters.

interstitial monitoring

the continuous surveillance of the space between the walls of an underground storage tank.

intubation

The administration of a test dose through a tube put or placed into the nose, throat, or larynx.

inventory

TSCA inventory of chemicals produced pursuant to Section 8 (b) of the Toxic Substances Control Act.

inversion

an atmospheric condition caused by a layer of warm air preventing the rise of cool air trapped beneath it. This holds down pollutants that might otherwise be dispersed, and can cause an air pollution episode.

in vitro

(1) "in glass"; a test-tube culture. (2) any laboratory test using living cells taken from an organism.

in vivo

in the living body of a plant or animal. In vivo tests are those laboratory experiments carried out on whole animals or human volunteers.

ion

an atom or radical in solution carrying an integral electric charge, either positive (cation) or negative (anion).

ion exchange

a reversible chemical reaction between a solid (ion exchanger) and a fluid (usually a water solution) by means of which ions may be interchanged from one substance to another. The superficial physical structure of the solid is not affected.

ion exchange treatment

a common water softening method often found on a large scale at water purification plants that remove some organics and radium by adding calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide to increase the pH to a level where the metals will precipitate out.

ionic strength

a measure of the strength of a solution based on both the concentration and valences of the ions present.

ionization chamber

a device that detects ionizing radiation.

ionizing radiation

radiation that can remove electrons from atoms, i.e., alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.

I.P.

Intraperitoneally. Within the peritoneal cavity. A route of administration. [10] The material is injected into the peritoneal (abdominal/pelvic) cavity.

Induced Polarization.

Inhalable Particles.

IPCS

International Program on Chemical Safety.

IPM

Inhalable Particulate Matter.

IPM

Integrated Pest Management.

IPP

Implementation Planning Program.

IPP

Integrated Plotting Package.

IPP

Intermedia Priority Pollutant.

Infrared.

Installation Restoration.

IRA

Interim Response Action.

IRDS

primary irritation dose.

IRG

Interagency Review Group.

iridocyclitis

inflammation of both the eye's iris and its ciliary body.

IRIS

Instructional Resources Information System.

IRIS

Integrated Risk Information System.

iritis

Inflammation of the iris, the circular pigmented membrane behind the cornea, perforated by the pupil. [10] EXAMPLE LAY LANGUAGE: Eye irritation.

IRM

Interim Remedial Measures.

IRMC

Inter-Regulatory Risk Management Council.

iron bacteria

organisms which are capable of using ferrous iron, either from the water or from steel pipe, in their metabolism and precipitating ferric hydroxide in their sheaths and gelatinous deposits.

IRP

Installation Restoration Process.

IRP

Installation Restoration Program.

IRPTC

International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals.

IRR

irritant effects. Any irritant effect on the skin, eye, or mucous membrane.

irritant

a noncorrosive material that causes a reversible inflammatory effect on living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact as a function of concentration or duration of exposure.

irritating material

-DOT A liquid or solid substance which upon contact with fire or when exposed to air gives off dangerous or intensely irritating fumes, such as brombenzylcyanide, chloracetophenone, diphenylaminechlorarsine, and diphenylchlorarsine, but not including any poisonous material, Class A.

irradiated food

food that has been subject to brief radioactivity, usually by gamma rays, to kill insects, bacteria, and mold, and preserve it without refrigeration or freezing.

irradiation

exposure to radiation of wavelengths shorter than those of visible light (gamma, x-ray, or ultraviolet) for medical purposes, the destruction of bacteria in milk or other foodstuffs, or for inducing polymerization of monomers or vulcanization of rubber.

irrigation

technique for applying water or wastewater to land areas to supply the water and nutrient needs of plants.

IRS

Internal Revenue Service.

Interim Status.

ISC

Industrial Source Complex.

ISCL

Interim Status Compliance Letter.

ISD

Interim Status Document.

ISMAP

Indirect Source Model for Air Pollution.

isomers

chemical compounds with the same molecular weight and atomic composition but differing molecular structure; e.g., n-pentane and 2-methylbutane.

isotope

a variation of an element that has the same atomic number but a different weight because of its neutrons.Isotopes of an element may have different radioactive behavior.

Issues

refers to observed or identified problems in an organization's performance in the demonstration of exercise objectives.

ISV

In Situ Vitrification.

ISWMP

Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan.

ITC

Interagency Testing Committee.

ITC

International Trade Commission.

ITP

Individual Training Plan.

ITR

Innovative Technology Requirement.

I.V.

Injection into a vein.

IWC

In-Stream Waste Concentration.

jaundice

yellowish discoloration of tissue (skin), whites of eyes (sclerae), and bodily fluids with bile pigment (bilirubin) caused by any of several pathological conditions that interrupt the liver's normal production and discharge of bile.

Jackson units

a measure of turbidity or suspended materials by optical obstruction of light rays passed through a water sample, as compared to a standard.

JIC

Joint Information Center

JPA

Joint Permitting Agreement.

kinetic rate coefficient

a number that describes the rate at which a water constituent such as a biochemical oxygen demand or dissolved oxygen increases or decreases.

kinetics

the effects of forces on the motion of matter, of concern with the velocity or speed of reactions.

kg, kilogram

1,000 grams.

Kraft

an alkaline chemical pulping process, using salt cake as makeup.

Kilowatt.

kWh

Kilowatt Hour.

Periodic Table of Elements: Cesium - Cs (EnvironmentalChemistry. ...