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Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The highest (maximum) level of a contaminant allowed to go uncorrected by a public water system under federal or state regulations. Depending on the contaminant, allowable levels might be calculated as an average over time, or might be based on individual test results.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH, part of the Centers for Disease Control, conducts research on worker safety and health and recommends standards for worker protection to OSHA. For example, NIOSH recommends guidelines for workplace exposure to hazardous substances and has published criteria documents on many chemicals.
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO, an agency of the United Nations, carries out public and environmental health programs throughout the world.
Remediation
Correction or improvement of a problem, such as work that is done to clean up or stop the release of chemicals from a contaminated site. After investigation of a site, remedial work may include removing soil and/or drums, capping the site or collecting and treating the contaminated fluids.
Acute
Occurring over a short time, usually a few minutes or hours. An acute exposure can result in short term or long term health effects. An acute effect happens within a short time after exposure.
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Analyte
A chemical for which a sample (such as water, air, blood, urine or other substance) is tested. For example, if the analyte is mercury, the laboratory test will determine the amount of mercury in the sample.
AHM
Acutely Hazardous Material
Health registry
A record of people exposed to a specific substance (such as a heavy metal), or having a specific health condition (such as cancer or a communicable disease). New York State maintains several health registries.
ACM
Asbestos-Containing Material
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