Glossary of Industry Terms

Environmental definition glossary for radon, mold, and lead-based paint

This page provides definitions and discussion of unfamiliar terms and acronyms relating to environmental and in-vironmental issues.

picoCurie (pCi)

A measure of radioactive energy equivalent to that released by one-trillionth of a gram of radium. One pCi represents 2.2 radioactive disintegrations per minute.

Action Level

Concentration at which an agency requires or recommends that some action be taken to reduce a risk. The US EPA Action Level for radon is 4 pCi/l. The OSHA Action Level for lead in air is 30 micrograms per cubic meter, and for asbestos is 100,000 fibers per cubic meter.

ALARA

Acronym for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable," which is the golden rule of radiation safety.

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency, a federal agency originally chartered to protect the physical environment. Now heavily involved with in-vironmental issues as well.

OSHA

Occupational Safety & Health Administration, a federal agency concerned only with issues affecting workers. In Michigan, the equivalent state agency (MIOSHA) is responsible for enforcement.