***************************************** actinomycetes Actinomycetes Actinomycetes are gram-positive organisms whose filamentous, hyphalike appearance was responsible for their earlier, erroneous classification; they are in fact bacteria that are abundant in compost, soils, food, and freshwater and have been isolated from the atmosphere. The most important species implicated in hypersensitivity pneumonitis include Micropolyspora faeni, Thermoactinomyces vulgaris, T. viridis, and T. candidus. ***************************************** admin Administrative Controls Methods of reducing worker exposures to occupational hazards through management arrangements; e.g., rotating workers from high- to low-exposure areas to reduce average exposure level, scheduling jobs or processes that generate hazards during times when few workers are present. ***************************************** asps Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome This syndrome is seen in the elderly and is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness during the evening hours resulting in early bedtime. The patients often awake between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. Sleep is otherwise normal in length and staging. It is due to an abnormally set circadian pacemaker. ***************************************** adsp Alcohol Dependent Sleep Disorder A disorder which is characterized by the use of alcohol to counter the patient¹s difficulty in falling asleep. The patient with sustained use of alcohol develops tolerance to the sedative effect, and develops fragmented sleep secondary to withdrawal from alcohol during the night. ***************************************** abpa Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) ABPA is characterized by an eosinophilic pneumonia associated with bronchial asthma. Peripheral eosinophilia and elevated IgE levels are common. The chest x-ray may show transient infiltrates or suggest the presence of central bronchiectasis. A wheal and flare skin reactivity to aspergillus antigens is expected. Adequate treatment usually requires long term systemic glucocorticoids. ***************************************** area Area Sample Industrial hygiene technique of obtaining a sample of air from an area occupied by workers. ***************************************** asbestosis Asbestosis A pneumoconiosis produced by the inhalation of asbestos fibers and characterized by diffuse interstitial fibrosis of the lung parenchyma. ***************************************** asphyc Asphyxiant, Chemical (toxic) Substances that interfere with cellular respiration and not by displacement of oxygen from the alveolar space; e.g. CO ***************************************** asphys Asphyxiant, Simple Physiologically inert gases that lower the concentration of inspired oxygen by physically displacing oxygen from the alveolar space; e.g. CO₂. ***************************************** asthma Asthma A disease characterized by an increased responsiveness (hyperirritability, hypersensitivity) of the airways to various stimuli and manifested by slowing of forced expiration that changes in severity either spontaneously or with treatment. ***************************************** atsdr ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Part of CDC and responsible for implementing the health-related sections of the laws to protect the public from hazardous wastes and environmental spills of hazardous substances. Also has responsibilities through the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) in the areas of health assessment, toxicological data bases, information dissemination, and medical education. ***************************************** berylliosis Berylliosis Generalized granulomatous disease with pulmonary manifestations caused by inhalation of dust or fumes containing beryllium compound. ***************************************** bronchiectasis Bronchiectasis Bronchiectasis is defined as a permanent abnormal dilatation of one or more bronchi due to the destruction of the elastic and muscular components of the wall. Necrotizing inflammation secondary to an infectious process is the most likely cause. It is a major cause of hemoptysis. It can be seen in any disease that affects the adequacy of mucociliary clearance. Purulent cough, frequent respiratory infections and hemoptysis are common manifestations. Examples include bronchitis, atopic bronchial asthma, cystic fibrosis, congenital bronchiectasis, and Kartagener's syndrome. ***************************************** bronchcar Bronchogenic Carcinoma There are four broad histologic variants of lung cancer including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and small cell carcinoma. The major risk factor for development of a primary lung cancer is smoking cigarettes. Signs and symptoms result from local tumor growth, invasion or distant spread. ***************************************** brucellosis Brucellosis An infectious disease caused by the genus Brucella. Any of the three species of Brucella can cause illnesses in humans, and it is characterized by fever, chills, sweating, malaise, weakness, headache, myalgias, anorexia, and weight loss. The domestic reservoir includes pigs, dogs, cattle, and goats. ***************************************** byssinosis Byssinosis A diffuse airway disease found among those who process cotton, flax, and hemp fibers. The acute phase is characterized by work-related chest tightness and cough associated with an obstructive pattern. Prolonged exposure leads to a chronic phase. ***************************************** carcinogen Carcinogen / carcinogenesis A substance or physical agent that causes cancer. ***************************************** cataplexy Cataplexy Sudden loss of muscle tone with muscle weakness or collapse brought on by emotions such as anger, fear or laughter. Pathognomonic for narcolepsy. ***************************************** causation Causation The act by which an effect is produced. An important doctrine in fields of negligence and product liability law. ***************************************** ceiling Ceiling Limit The airborne concentration of substance that should not be exceeded any time during the working day ***************************************** chemenceph Chemical Encephalopathy Symptoms of headache, confusion and poor concentration as a result of the inhalation of certain solvent fumes. ***************************************** chempneum Chemical Pneumonitis Inflammation of the lung secondary to inhalation or aspiration of chemical fumes. ***************************************** clay Clay Group of minerals which are hydrous aluminum silicates and which may contain variable amounts and types of contaminants such as quartz. ***************************************** cwp Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis (CWP) A disease caused by the inhalation and deposition in the lung of carbonaceous dust and the lung's reaction to the dust. ***************************************** cryptpneum Cryptococcal Pneumonia Cryptococcal neoformans is a fungus that may be inhaled and cause a granulomatous disease known as cryptococcosis. Pigeons are the major environmental reservoir. Most cases are confined to the lung but infection can disseminate to the meninges and elsewhere. Pathologic and radiographic manifestations include subpleural fibrotic nodules; large, cavitating granulomatous lesions, and miliary pulmonary dissemination. ***************************************** depression Depression A mental state characterized by excessive sadness. Behavior is governed by despairing beliefs. Sleep, appetite and concentration are disturbed. Depression is usually associated with insomnia, which is characterized by sleep maintenance disturbance and ³early morning² awakenings. Hypersomnolence can be seen with other vegetative symptoms of depression. ***************************************** disability Disability A legal term referring to the inability of an individual to function in their normal gainful capacity because of some physiologic or anatomic impairment ***************************************** dissnore Disruptive Snoring As in primary snoring, disruptive snoring includes loud inspiratory or expiratory sounds which disturb bedpartners with snoring. The patient is more likely to note sleep disturbance or daytime sleepiness. In addition, the sleep study shows distortion of sleep (fragmentation) secondary to snoring. Patients may be predisposed to development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). ***************************************** dose Dose - Response Assessment In the risk assessment process, determines the relationship between the magnitude of human exposure and the probability of human health effects. ***************************************** dual Dual Capacity Exception Exception to the exclusivity of remedy doctrine in the workers' compensation laws of some States that permits employee suits against employers for personal injuries if the employer can be viewed as causing the injury in a capacity other than employment (e.g., if the employer also acted as a product manufacturer or provider of medical services). (See also exclusivity of remedy doctrine.) ***************************************** dusts Dusts Particulates formed from solid organic or inorganic materials that are reduced in size through some mechanical process such as crushing, drilling grinding blasting or pulverizing. Airborne dusts range in size from 0.1 to 25 microns in diameter ***************************************** dc Dynamic Capacities Forced vital capacity (FVC) ***************************************** dv Dynamic Volumes Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) Forced expiratory flow rate (FEF 25-75%) or Maximum Mid- Expiratory Flow Rate (MMFR) ***************************************** emphysema Emphysema Enlargement of the air spaces distal to terminal non- respiratory bronchioles, accompanied by destructive changes of the alveolar walls. ***************************************** engineering Engineering Controls Methods of controlling worker exposure by modifying the source or reducing the amount of contaminants released into the workplace. Engineering controls include process design and modification, equipment design, enclosure and isolation, and ventilation. ***************************************** eosinophilic Eosinophilic Granuloma Eosinophilic granuloma is a chronic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology involving lung, bone and soft tissue with histiocytic infiltrates. The disease occurs most frequently in the 20 - 40 age group. The upper and mid-lung zones are more typically involved with interstitial nodules. ***************************************** epa EPA Environmental Protection Agency. Charged with protecting the nation's land, air and water. The agency administers a number of laws designed to preserve the public health and environment, one of which is TOSCA ***************************************** erd Exclusivity of Remedy Doctrine A provision of all State workers' compensation laws that prohibits employee tort suits against employers for injuries or diseases that occur on the job. ***************************************** erv Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) The maximum volume of air expired from the resting end-expiratory level. ***************************************** eo Ethylene Oxide Ethylene oxide is an odorless gas used in organic synthesis as a pesticide and for sterilization of surgical equipment. Exposure is limited to plants where it is produced but NIOSH estimates that over 75,000 employees in sterilization areas have been exposed. Ethylene oxide is a strong irritant and can cause severe dermatitis, eye irritation, and pulmonary edema. CNS depression can be seen at high doses. Ethylene oxide is considered a potential carcinogen based on the production of malignant tumors in exposed animals. NIOSH considers ethylene oxide an occupational carcinogen and has set an REL (recommended exposure limit) of < 0.1 ppm. ***************************************** feldspar Feldspar Group of minerals which are silicates of aluminum with either potassium, sodium or calcium. ***************************************** flint Flint Mineral composed primarily of a form of a crystalline silica (quartz). ***************************************** fef Forced Expiratory Flow Rate (FEF 25-75%) The rate of air flow in the mid portion of the FVC. ***************************************** fev Forced Expiratory Volume in First Second (FEV1) The volume of air expired forcefully in the first second of the FVC. ***************************************** fvc Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) The total volume expired forcefully from maximum inspiration to end-expiration. ***************************************** fumes Fumes Extremely fine, solid particulates formed by processes such as combustion or condensation. The term is generally applied to the condensation of metals from their gaseous state after volatilization and the subsequent formation of metal oxides. Fumes usually range from 0.0001 to 1.0 micron in size ***************************************** frc Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) The volume of air remaining in the lungs at the end- expiratory level (the sum of residual volume and expiratory reserve volume or RV and ERV). ***************************************** generalduty General Duty Clause Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act provides "...that each employer shall furnish...employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees." OSHA has used this clause to cite employers for workplace conditions that present serious occupational hazards that are not covered by OSHA's more detailed health and safety standards.Hazard identification: In risk assessment, the qualitative analysis of all available experimental animal and human data to determine whether and at what dose an agent is likely to cause toxic effects. ***************************************** histoplasmosis Histoplasmosis Histoplasmosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by inhalation of Histoplasma capsulatum. The majority of cases present sub-clinically in humans. However, clinical manifestations may range from an overwhelming acute pneumonia to chronic progressive pulmonary disease with dissemination. ***************************************** hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis A group of allergic lung diseases resulting from sensitization and recurrent exposure to inhaled organic and synthetic dusts. A wide variety of dusts can cause the disease which is manifested acutely by a diffuse inflammation of the lung and chronically by organized granulomas and fibrosis. ***************************************** iip Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonitis Idiopathic interstitial pneumonitis is characterized by a mononuclear and polymorphonuclear instititial infiltrate with a variable degree of septal fibrosis. ***************************************** idlh Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) The airborne concentration of a substance that has this property ***************************************** impairment Impairment A reduction in physiologic or anatomic function. ***************************************** ibronchitis Industrial Bronchitis Industrial bronchitis is a type of bronchitis caused by inhalation of dusts. Chronic bronchitis is defined as the presence of cough and sputum for three months in a year for two consecutive years. ***************************************** ihygiene Industrial Hygiene The environmental science of identifying and evaluating physical, chemical and biologic hazards in the workplace and devising ways to eliminate or control them. ***************************************** influenza Influenza Pneumonia Pneumonia is the most common complication of influenza and may occur as primary influenza viral pneumonia, secondary bacterial pneumonia, or a combination. Primary influenza pneumonia is the most severe of the pneumonic complicators and tends to occur in patients with underlying cardiac or pulmonary disease. It begins as typical influenza with fever myalgia and headache and within twelve to thirty six hours hypoxemia can develop. Sputum production is scant. Chest x-ray reveals diffuse interstitial infiltrates. Therapy is mainly supportive as anti-virals have been shown effective mainly in uncomplicated infections. ***************************************** ic Inspiratory Capacity (IC) The maximum volume of air inspired from the end- expiratory level (the sum of IRV and TV). ***************************************** irv Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) The maximum volume of air inspired from the resting end-inspiratory level. ***************************************** ivc Inspiratory Vital Capacity (IVC) The maximum volume of air inspired from the maximum expiratory level. ***************************************** insufsleep Insufficient Sleep Syndrome A disorder characterized by voluntary chronic sleep loss. A sleep diary reveals short sleep periods during the week, often with prolonged sleep time during the weekends. Patients fall asleep easily and there are no sleep disruptors (any factor which causes interruption of sleep). Patients are usually moderately sleepy during the day. ***************************************** irrtrach Irritant Tracheobronchitis Symptoms of cough with or without sputum production, chest tightness and possible wheezing due to inhalation of an airway irritant. ***************************************** irritants Irritants Substances that produce inflammatory reactions of the mucous membranes. The extent and severity of any injury depends on several factors including 1) solubility of the substance, 2) concentration and duration of exposure, 3) individual susceptibility, 4) concomitant exposure to other hazardous substances, 5) the ability of the organism to repair itself, 6) route of entry into the body, and 7) toxicokinetic properties of the substance ***************************************** lead Lead Poisoning Chronic form in adults manifested by personality changes, headache, anorexia, multiple GI effects and nephropathy. ***************************************** lupus Lupus lung disease Pleuropulmonary manifestions of systemic lupus erythematosis include: 1) pleuritis with or without effusions 2) acute lupus pneumonitis 3) hemorrhagic alveolitis 4) chronic interstitial pneumonitis 5) interstitial fibrosis 6) spontaneous pneumothorax and 7) diaphragm-respiratory muscle dysfunction. ***************************************** msds Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) An information sheet prepared and distributed by a chemical manufacturer to an end user. The MSDS contains information on the products' generic ingredients, their toxic properties, recommendations for safe use, and other important information. An employer is obligated by law to provide an MSDS to the employee upon request by the employee. ***************************************** mmef Maximum Mid Exploratory Flow Rate (MMEF) The rate of air flow in the mid portion of the FVC. ***************************************** mrp Medical Removal Protection (MRP) An employment policy requiring or permitting employees to transfer permanently or temporarily to jobs with less risk. ***************************************** mesothelioma Mesothelioma A malignant tumor of the mesothelial cells lining the peritoneum and pleura. ***************************************** metal Metal Fume Fever Systemic illness caused by inhalation of the oxides of various metals (including zinc). Symptoms include nausea, chills, diarrhea, headache and respiratory complaints. ***************************************** mycoplasma Mycoplasma pneumonia Mycoplasma pneumonia is endemic to humans and is usually spread by inhalation. Incidence is highest in young adults, particularly among people in areas of close personal contact (e.g. military recruits). Most infections are subclinical. ***************************************** narcolepsy Narcolepsy A disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness with involuntary daytime sleep episodes and disturbed nocturnal sleep. It is often associated with hypnagogic hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone often elicited by emotion). ***************************************** niosh National Inst. Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) In the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and responsible for studying occupational diseases and injuries; recommending safety standards and procedures, and exposure limits for hazardous substances; providing educational programs in occupational safety and health; and, investigating employer/employee complaints about health/safetyhazards ***************************************** ntp National Toxicology Program (NTP) A federal program to develop scientific information on exposure to toxic chemicals ***************************************** nocasthma Nocturnal Asthma A condition of airways inflammation and bronchial reactivity in which the patient is primarily symptomatic during sleep. Patient awakens secondary to dyspnea, cough or wheezing. Approximately 75% of all asthmatics report night awakenings secondary to symptoms. ***************************************** nuisance Nuisance Dust Also called "biologically inert" dusts and "particulates not otherwise classified" (PNOC), the lung-tissue reaction caused by nuisance dusts is characterized by 1) Air space architecture remaining intact. 2) Collagen (scar tissue) not forming to a significant extent. 3) Tissue reaction is potentially reversible. The ACGIH* recommends a TLV of 10 mg/m3 for this dust (containing no asbestos and <1% crystalline silica). *ACGIH: American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists is an organization that recommends Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for chemical and physical agents in the workplace. ***************************************** noel No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) Level of exposure that produces no observed deleterious health effects. ***************************************** obstruct Obstructive Impairment A reduction in the air flow as measured by a reduced FEV1 to FVC ratio ***************************************** osa Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) OSA is characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction occurring during sleep associated with oxygen desaturation. The symptoms include daytime sleepiness, gasping awakenings, snoring, morning headaches. ***************************************** occasthma Occupational Asthma Diffuse intermittent reversible airway obstruction caused by inhalation of irritant or allergenic particles/vapors from an industrial process. ***************************************** occhis Occupational History If any suspicious information is obtained in the routine interview, the physician should obtain a more detailed history. Information on duration and intensity of exposure is important. It is important to learn how the patient worked with the suspected toxin and to consider how he or she may have absorbed the material. Information is needed on any respirators or protective clothing the patient may have worn. Phillip J. Landrigan, MD, MSc, Dean B. Baker, MD, MPH. The Recognition and Control of Occupational Disease, JAMA, August 7, 1991, p. 679. ***************************************** occrhin Occupational Rhinitis Symptoms of sneezing, nasal discharge and congestion resulting from work-related exposure to an inhaled sensitizing agent. ***************************************** osha Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) In the Department of Labor and responsible for setting and enforcing regulatory standards in the workplace; inspecting the workplace for violations; and, enforcing requirements for use of personal protective equipment. ***************************************** ornithosis Ornithosis (Psittacosis) A disease caused by inhalation of the avian gram-negative bacterium C. psittaci, found in the droppings of diseased birds, including parrots, domestic fowl (chickens, ducks) and urban fowl (pigeons). The clinical spectrum includes a flulike illness, pneumonia and a fulminant toxic syndrome. ***************************************** pel Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) The maximum airborne concentration of a toxic substance permitted by OSHA standards. ***************************************** perinjury Personal Injury or Disease A criterion for receiving workers' compensation benefits that prohibits claims by the worker's spouse or offspring. The injury or disease must be "personal" to the worker. ***************************************** ppe Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Equipment and clothing designed to control exposure to hazards; e.g., hard hats, safety shoes, protective eyewear, protective clothing and gloves, hearing protectors, and various types of respirators, such as dust and gas masks. ***************************************** ps Personal Sample Industrial hygiene technique of obtaining a sample of air from the breathing zone of an individual worker. Designed to accurately represent a workers true exposure. ***************************************** plaques Plaques A thickening of the parietal pleura that is commonly associated with exposure to asbestos. Plaques can be found on the parietal and visceral pleural surfaces as well as the pericardium. They are usually bilaterally symmetrical and appear as circumscribed elevations of the pleura. ***************************************** pcp Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP) PCP is the most common opportunistic infection in persons infected with HIV. The organism has characteristics of both fungi and protozoa and causes disease only in immunocompromised hosts. Patients may present with shortness of breath and a non-productive cough. Hypoxemia is common and chest x-ray often reveals a mixed interstitial and alveolar pattern. Treatment is with sulfa- trimethoprim or pentamidine. ***************************************** pe Preponderance of Evidence Evidence that is of greater weight or more convincing than the evidence that is offered in opposition to it, that is, evidence which as a whole shows that the fact sought to be proved is more probable than not. With respect to burden of proof in civil actions, means greater weight of evidence, or evidence that is more credible and convincing to the mind. ***************************************** primesnore Primary Snoring Loud inspiratory and/or expiratory sounds that disturb bedpartners or other nearby people. The patient does not complain of insomnia nor sleepiness. Some patients with primary snoring may be predisposed to develop sleep apnea. ***************************************** plt Product Liability Theory The legal liability of manufacturers and sellers to compensate buyers, users, and even bystanders for damages and injuries suffered because of defects in the goods purchased. A tort which makes a manufacturer liable if his product has a defective condition that makes it unreasonably dangerous to the user or consumer. ***************************************** psittacosis Psittacosis An acute infectious disease of humans characterized by fever and pneumonia, cough, weakness, fatigue, chills, headaches, and myalgia. The etiologic agent is Chlamydia psittaci, and it has its reservoir in various domestic and wild birds. ***************************************** rr Rate Retention (RR) Maintaining the removed employee's wages and benefits during the period of medical removal. (See also medical removal protection.) ***************************************** rv Residual Volume (RV) The volume of air remaining in the lungs after maximum expiration. ***************************************** ri Restrictive Impairment A reduction in the lung capacities, usually manifested by a reduced TLC. ***************************************** rheumatoid Rheumatoid Lung Rheumatoid lung refers to several pulmonary lesions that may manifest in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These complications include diffuse interstitial pneumonitis and/or fibrosis, pleuritis, necrobiotic nodules, obliterative bronchiolitis and nodules associated with Caplan's syndrome complicating coal workers' pneumoconiosis. ***************************************** riskassess Risk Assessment The use of scientific evidence to estimate the likelihood of adverse effects on the health of individuals or populations from exposure to hazardous materials and conditions. ***************************************** riskchar Risk Characterization In risk assessment, the final step, which summarizes information about the agent and evaluates it in order to estimate the risk. ***************************************** riskmgmt Risk Management Determination of the possible actions that can or should be taken in response to an assessment that a substance or condition poses a significant risk. ***************************************** sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis A multi-system granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology, most commonly affecting young adults and presenting most frequently with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, pulmonary infiltration, and skin or eye granulomatous lesions. ***************************************** screening Screening History The occupational history is the most effective instrument for the proper diagnosis of occupational disease. It provides essential clues about occupational exposures. Goldman and Peters have developed a brief but systematic approach to obtaining an occupational history. This approach recognizes that it is not possible to obtain a detailed occupational history for every patient. However, the alert clinician should routinely ask a short series of screening questions of every new patient.² Phillip J. Landrigan, MD, MSc, Dean B. Baker, MD, MPH. The Recognition and Control of Occupational Disease, JAMA, August 7, 1991, p. 679. Please note: Screening questions are indicated by bold italicized text in the History Map. ***************************************** stel Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) The short-term exposure level (STEL) is defined as the 15-minute time-weighted average (TWA) exposure which should not be exceeded at any time during a work day even if the 8-hour TWA is within the TLV ***************************************** silica Silica A mineral (silicon dioxide, SiO₂) of which the most important form medically is quartz, which is a crystalline silica. Quartz is the known causal agent of silicosis. ***************************************** silicosis Silicosis A fibrotic disease of the lungs produced by the inhalation and deposition of dust containing silicon dioxide or silica (SiO₂). ***************************************** silicosisa Silicosis, Acute Also termed silicotic alveolar proteinosis. Parenchymal lung damage seen after exposure to high concentrations of silica particles. Results in diffuse fibrosis and accumulation of lipid rich protein. Occurs within 1-3 years of exposure and can progress to death within months. ***************************************** sinusitis Sinusitis Nasal congeston and facial pain or headache resulting from inflammatory or infectious reaction of the serosal lining or obstruction of the ostia. ***************************************** sleephead Sleep-related Headaches Headaches are generally migraine-like. To qualify for this diagnosis, 75% of episodes must occur during or upon awakening from sleep. ***************************************** slip Slip Term for liquid slurry which is made by mixing dry ingredients such as various clays, feldspar, and flint with water. ***************************************** smoke Smoke Refers to airborne particulates resulting from the incomplete combustion of organic materials. Smoke particles are usually less than 0.5 microns in diameter. ***************************************** sc Static Capacities Inspiratory capacity (IC)
Vital capacity (VC)
Inspiratory vital capacity (IVC)
Functional residual capacity (FRC)
Total lung capacity (TLC)
***************************************** sv Static Volumes Residual volume (RV)
Expiratory reserve volume (ERV)
Tidal volume (TV)
Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)
***************************************** talc Talc Group of minerals which are hydrated magnesium silicates which have a wide range of industrial uses. Fibrous minerals (such as asbestos) and quartz are potential contaminants of industrial grade talc. Pure talc is less pathogenic than silica or asbestos. ***************************************** talcosis Talcosis Pneumoconiosis caused by deposition of pure talc characterized by foreign body granulomas. The radiographic appearance is variable but diffuse reticulonodular opacities often predominate in the mid zones. The radiographic appearance probably varies depending on contaminants, such as silica or asbestos, present in the dust. ***************************************** tlv Threshold Limit Value (TLV) Airborne concentration (as set by the American conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) of substances that most workers may be repeatedly exposed to daily for a working lifetime without specific adverse effects. There are three categories of TLVs: time- weighted average (TWA); Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL); and Ceiling (C) values ***************************************** tv Tidal Volume (TV) The volume of air inspired or expired with each breath during quiet breathing. NOTE: The symbol TV is traditionally used for tidal volume to indicate a subdivision of static lung volumes. However, the symbol VT is used for tidal volume in formulas for gas exchange. ***************************************** twa Time Weighted Average (TWA) Time-weighted average (TWA): the threshold limit value consisting of the average airborne concentration of the substance over a specified time limit,usually a normal 8-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek ***************************************** tosca Toxic Substances Control Act (TOSCA) Toxic Substances Control Act. This act authorizes the EPA to collect information on chemical risks from manufacturers and processors and requires the agency to review information on new chemicals and uses before they are manufactured ***************************************** tlc Total Lung Capacity (TLC) The volume of air in the lungs after maximum inspiration (the sum of all volume compartments). ***************************************** toxin Toxin/Toxicity A chemical, physical, or biological agent that interrupts the normal function of a cell, tissue, organ, or organism. ***************************************** tuberculosis Tuberculosis Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacillus mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is characterized by formation of granulomas that tend to undergo central necrosis. The primary means of transmission is inhalation into the lungs of tiny droplets and subsequent spread to regional lymph nodes. The disease tends to undergo periods of inactivation and reactivation. Symptoms of active disease include fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, and mild hemoptysis. Chemotherapy is effective as treatment. ***************************************** vermiculite Vermiculite The name given to a family of magnesium-aluminum silicates. The group is often classified with the clay minerals. ***************************************** vc Vital Capacity (VC) The maximum volume of air expired from the maximum inspiratory level. ***************************************** wegeners Wegeners Granulomatosis This disease is characterized by granulomatous vasculitis of the upper and lower respiratory tract togethr with glomerulonephritis. The mean age of onset is approximately 40 years and presentation usually involves severe upper respiratory findings and renal disease. Formerly universally fatal, treatment with cyclophosphamide and steroids may induce remission in over 90% of patients. ***************************************** workerscomp Workers' Compensation State-required insurance programs that pay for an employee's medical costs and other economic costs due to work-related injury and illness. *****************************************