labor unit
The measurement in time that it takes to perform a task or discipline.

laminate
To bond two or more materials together, the wear surface on a countertop.

laminated beam
A wood structural member made by laminating several pieces of wood together under pressure.

latent damages
Damages that are present but not visible, damage that occurred later.

latex
A milky liquid from certain plants used as a backing on carpets.

light
Terminology used to categorize soot and smoke deposit, opposite of heavy soot and smoke deposits.

like kind and quality
When destroyed materials and/or building components are no longer available, the materials and/or building components specified should be measured by substantially duplicating the destroyed materials and/or building component with equal value.  From; Digest of Insurance Law (Pennsylvania), Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman, & Goggin, and the AM Best Company

Line of Site Rule
As referring to damaged building material conformity, and rules could vary from state to state. For example: California laws state: "When a loss requires the replacement of items and the replaced items do not match in quality; color or size, the insurer shall replace all items in the damaged area so as to conform to a reasonably uniform appearance."

linoleum
A resilient flooring material made from cork and linseed oil.

lintel
A horizontal support usually angle iron used over a door or window opening.

load bearing
A wall, partition or pilaster that supports the structural load of a building.

loss-mitigation
The scientific approach to emergency services, where post-loss conditions are evaluated and systematically neutralized to reduce latent damages before they produce irresolvable damages to building components, contents and equipment. © 2001, William Yobe.

lug
An electrical fastener used to secure a wire to a terminal strip or box.

magnetomotive force
The driving force in a magnetic circuit equivalent to the electromotive force in an electrical circuit.

masking
The obstruction of an odor, to cover up an odor only to have it reappear.

Material Safety Data Sheets
MSDS, documentation explaining the hazardous ingredients, targeted organs and spill clean up methods of a chemical, etc.  - per the SARA Tile III - Right to Know Act.

mechanical contractor
Referring to a contractor engaged in plumbing, piping and HVAC work.

medium
Terminology used to categorize soot and smoke deposits, between light and heavy soot and smoke deposits.

membrane
A thin pliable sheet used as roofing material on flat roofs.

micro
Something only visible under a microscope.

microbes
Microscopic algae, bacteria, fungi, etc. that carry diseases.

microorganisms
See microbes.

migration
The passage of water and moisture through absorption, the passage of smoke and soot through pressure.

mildew
A coating or discoloration caused by fungi in a moist environment.

mitigation
To make less harmful, the process of neutralizing a loss site, to protect, to secure and preserve property.

modular home
A prefabricated house built in a factory with the final assembly in the field.

moisture
Condensed liquid, small quantity of water.

moisture meter
An instrument used to measure the moisture content of the atmosphere, structural components and content items, available in penetrating and non-penetrating.

moisture monitoring
The process of  recording and observing the moisture content of the atmosphere, structural components and content items within a building and making equipment adjustments as needed.

mold
Minute fungi growth, a furry coating associated with decay.

molding
A decorative strip of wood, metal or plastic.

molecule
The smallest single physical unit of an element or compound.

momentum
The movement and velocity of a mass or part of.

MSHI
Mechanical Systems Hygiene Institute, Division of the ASCR International.

multi-meter
An instrument used to measure temperature, humidity, dew point, and moisture content.

mycotoxin
A diverse class of poisonous compounds produced by certain mushrooms and
other fungi.   Mycotoxins are produced
on mold spores and remain toxic even after the spore is dead.

microbial volatile organic compound
MVOC, produced during metabolic processes and are responsible for musty, moldy, mildew odors.

NIOSH
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a Federal agency that recommends the exposure limit value of various substances.

NEC
National Electric Code, Quincy, MA, the Code for the installation of electrical conductors and equipment within private and public buildings.

negative air machine
NAM, a mechanical/electrical device used to produce negative air pressure within an enclosed space.  Used during asbestos abatement and microbial remediation to prevent the spread of contaminates.

negative pressure drying
The process of withdrawing moisture from wall, floor, etc. cavities.

neutralize
The process of removing acids from ferrous and nonferrous metals after a fire or smoke loss.

NFPA
National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA, an association devoted to fire prevention and the health and welfare of occupants in private and public buildings.

NIDR
National Institute of Disaster Restoration, Division of the ASCR International.

NIR
National Institute of Restoration, Charlottesville, VA. 

NIRC
National Institute of Rug Cleaning, Division of the ASCR International.

nitrogen
N, a colorless, odorless, gases element found in animal and vegetable tissues (protein), used to manufacture ammonia, nitrate acid, etc.

nitrogen dioxide
NO2, a poisonous gas used in the manufacturing of sulfuric and nitric acid.

nitrogen oxide
NOx, nitrogen compounds as produced by combustion, part of smog and ozone.

non-bearing wall
A wall that will only carry its own weight.

nonferrous
Any metal that does not contain iron; copper, aluminum, etc.

non-porous
Materials having a permeance factor of < 1, having a poor absorption and evaporation rate.

neutralize
To make neutral, to make of no effect through opposing forces.

nutrient
A substance or ingredient that nourishes a living thing.

nylon
A group of synthetics made from coal, water, air, petroleum, natural gas and agricultural by-products, mildew and insect resistant, produces hydrogen chloride when decomposed in a fire.