GLOSSARY

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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ACUTE EXPOSURE

A single exposure to a toxic substance which results in biological harm or death. Acute exposures are usually characterized as lasting no longer than a day.


ACUTE TOXICITY

The adverse (acute, poisonous) effect resulting in severe biological harm or death soon after a single dose of, or exposure to a substance. Any severe poisonous effect resulting from a short-term exposure.


ADAPTATION

Changes in an organism_s structure or behaviour that helps it adjust to its surroundings. An increase or decrease in behaviour or activity to ?fit in? to a new or changed environment


ADHESIVE

A substance used to hold materials together by surface attachment.


ADJUSTER

SEE Loss Adjuster


ADSORPTION

The condensation of thin layers of molecules of gases, liquids or dissolved substances on the surfaces of solids. Usually, there is no chemical or physical change in the material used as the adsorbent. For example, silica gel is an adsorbent


ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECT

Any abnormal, harmful, or undesirable effect on the physical, biochemical, biological and/or behavioural well being of a person, as a result of exposure to a pollutant or pollutants in the environment.


AEROBIC

An organism that is living, active or occurring only in the presence of oxygen (e.g., most fungi are aerobic).


AEROSOL

A suspended liquid or solid particle in a gas (e.g., air). A fine aerial suspension of particles sufficiently small in size to confer some degree of stability from sedimentation; i.e., fog or smoke.


AGENT

An ingredient that causes activity or reactions to take place (e.g., a cleaning agent causes cleaning to occur).