BACT -Best Available Control Technology
An emission limitation based on the maximum degree of
emission reduction (considering energy, environmental and economic
impacts) achievable through application of production processes and
available methods, systems and techniques. BACT does not permit emissions
in excess of those allowed under any applicable Clean Air Act provisions.
Use of the BACT concept is allowable on a case-by-case basis for major
new or modified emissions sources in attainment areas and applies
to each regulated pollutant.
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Bake-out
Process by which a building is heated in an attempt
to accelerate VOC emissions from furniture and materials.
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Benefit/Cost Analysis
An economic method for assessing the benefits and costs
of achieving alternative health-based standards at given levels of
health protection.
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Bioaccumulants
Substances that increase in concentration
in living organisms as they take in contaminated air, water or food
because the substances are very slowly metabolized or excreted.
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Biocide
Product typically used to kill microorganisms.
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Biodegradable
Waste material composed primarily of constituent
parts that occur naturally, are able to be decomposed by bacteria or
fungi, and are absorbed into the ecosystem. Wood, for example, is biodegradable,
while plastics are not.
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Biodiversity
A large number and wide range of species
of animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms. Ecologically, wide biodiversity
is conducive to the development of all species.
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Biological Contamination
Contamination of a building environment caused
by bacteria, molds and their spores, pollen, viruses, and other biological
materials. It is often linked to poorly designed and maintained HVAC
systems. People exposed to biologically contaminated environments may
display allergic-type responses or physical symptoms such as coughing,
muscle aches and respiratory congestion.
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Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD):
A measure of the amount of oxygen consumed
in the biological processes that break down organic matter in water.
BOD is used as an indirect measure of the concentration of biologically
degradable material present in organic wastes. It usually reflects the
amount of oxygen consumed in five days by biological processes breaking
down organic waste. BOD can also be used as an indicator of pollutant
level, where the greater the BOD, the greater the degree of pollution.
Also referred to as "biochemical oxygen demand."
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Biosphere
- The part of the earth and its atmosphere
in which living organisms exist or that is capable of supporting life.
- The ecosystem composed of the earth and the living organisms inhabiting
it.
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Brownfields
Abandoned, idled or underused industrial
and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated
by real or perceived environmental contamination.
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Building Envelope
The exterior surface of a building's construction
- the walls, windows, roof and floor. Also referred to as "building
shell."
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Building-related Illness
Diagnosable illness whose cause and symptoms
can be directly attributed to a specific pollutant source within a building
(i.e., Legionnaire's disease, hypersensitivity, pneumonitis). Also see
"Sick Building Syndrome."
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By-product
Material, other than the principal product,
generated as a consequence of an industrial process or as a breakdown
product in a living system.
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