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Remedial Investigation (RI)
An in-depth study (including sampling of air, soil, water and waste) of a contaminated site needing remediation to determine the nature and extent of contamination. The remedial investigation (RI) is usually combined with a feasibility study (FS).
Odor threshold
The lowest concentration of a chemical that can be smelled. Different chemicals have different odor thresholds. Also, some people can smell a chemical at lower concentrations than others can.
CERCLA
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. See "Superfund."
Latency period
The period of time between exposure to something that causes a disease and the onset of the health effect. Cancer caused by chemical exposure may have a latency period of 5 to 40 years.
HMTUSA
Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act (1999); amendments to HMTA including requirements for performance-oriented packaging.
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
Volatile organic compound (VOC)
An organic chemical that evaporates readily. Petroleum products such as kerosene, gasoline and mineral spirits contain VOCs. Chlorinated solvents such as those used by dry cleaners or contained in paint strippers are also VOCs. See "organic" and "volatile".
Absorption
The process of taking in, as when a sponge takes up water. Chemicals can be absorbed into the bloodstream after breathing or swallowing. Chemicals can also be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and then transported to other organs. Not all of the chemical breathed, swallowed, or touched is always absorbed.
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.
Ingestion
Swallowing (such as eating or drinking). Chemicals in or on food, drink, utensils, cigarettes, hands, etc. can be ingested. After ingestion, chemicals may be absorbed into the blood and distributed throughout the body.
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