IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS

      "NanoTechnology"--A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter... it is at the MOLECULAR level.  A sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick. There are now products that encompass nano-scale science, engineering, and technology and that nano-technology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this scale. (below what is visible by microscope)  By utilizing this technology, molecules can be constructed to do work that could not be done on a larger scale.   

     "Mold-Free"--NOTHING is 100% Mold-Free (that would be "sterile"), however, based on pre- and post-sanitization screenings, an indoor environment can be dubbed "mold-Free" when the post-screening shows levels of mold, mildew, or bacteria to be in the * "normal/expected" ranges.  www.MoldFreeConstruction.com (* based on EnviroScreening Mold Reports)

     "Sanitization Protocol"--A system whereby an indoor environment can be "sanitized" using products, techniques, and a lifestyle that will keep "Mold-Free" levels consistently low.  "Sanitized" means the microbial population, when referencing a baseline screening, has been reduced.

     "Anti-Microbial"--Something that serves to reduce microbial growth. As an anti-microbial, enzyme cleaners and other biocides is an effective way to clean the surface of microbes like mold, mildew, and bacteria.

     "Protectant"--A product that, when placed on surfaces, protects that surface from microbial growth. A protectant serves establish a long-lasting barrier without leaching chemicals. 

    "Incremental Approach"--A common sense approach to solving indoor air and surface quality problems by recognizing that every step along the way toward a "Mold-Free" environment, though incremental by nature, is a step in the right direction. This approach understands that limited resources, knowledge, or access may demand a long-term solution to air and/or surface contamination.

     "Superbugs"--Commonly understood as germs that have mutated or evolved to defend themselves against existing chemicals. Under this classification falls such biologicals as VRE (Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus) and MRSA (Methicillan Resistant Staph Aureus) among others. These organisms were once restricted to health-care facilities but are now showing up in gyms, locker rooms, whirlpools, and other areas frequented by the general public.

     MSDS Sheet--Material Safety Data Sheets that identify the handling, storing, and use of products approved by the EPA for use should be in your possession at all times.  The MSDS sheets for all NORMI Approved Anti-Microbials, Protectants and Encapsulates are available for download at the www.NORMI.org website in the member section.