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NCEH/ATSDR Clear Writing Hub

Environmental Health Thesaurus

Use this thesaurus to help you write about environmental health using plain language. For each environmental health term, you’ll see a tip, recommended alternative, and example sentence. Please contact us at wes@cdc.gov if you have suggestions for new terms.

You can also use CDC’s “Everyday Words” tool to reduce jargon and replace difficult terms in your materials.

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

A

Abatement

Tip

Contextualize this word based on the implications of the specific environmental exposure (e.g., lead, asbestos, etc.). Consumers may hear this word from contractors, so you may need to teach it.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, use "taking out," "removing" or "sealing up.” Abatement can also mean "decrease" or "reduce" contact with something.

Explain

Experts can seal up or remove lead paint so it won't harm you. This process is called "abatement."

Absorb

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, use "soak up," "take in," or "go/get into."

Explain

The spilled chemical was taken up by the soil, just like a sponge absorbs water.

Absorption factor

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Rephrase to explain the concept.

Explain

When you have contact with a chemical, only a small amount might actually go through your skin and get into your blood.

Acceptable daily intake

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you need to use it, teach it.

Try This Instead

Consider "the amount of a substance that is not likely to harm people who are exposed every day for a lifetime."

Explain

The acceptable daily intake is the amount of a substance that is not likely to harm a person who is exposed every day for a lifetime.

Accumulate

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Describe how a substance can "build up."

Explain

Lead can be stored in the bones during childhood.

Acute exposure

Tip

Depending on context, you may be able to avoid this term, but you may need to teach it.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "short-term contact" or "coming in contact with high levels of [substance] for a short period of time."

Explain

1. With some substances, even short-term contact (less than 2 weeks) can be dangerous. This short term contact is called "acute exposure." 2. When people come in contact with [substance] for 2 weeks or less, this contact is called "acute exposure."

Additive effect

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

N/A

Explain

If you come into contact with more than one harmful substance, you can become sicker than if you were just exposed to one substance. This condition is called "the additive effect."

Administer

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "give" or "manage."

Explain

Give the patient the shot (vaccine).

Adverse health effects

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use “harm” or “harmful health effects” instead of “adverse health effects” to describe changes in health that result in sickness or damage to body systems

Explain

Drinking water from a contaminated water system may harm your health.

Aeration

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider, "adding air to" or "treating with air."

Explain

Experts can use air to treat water and remove harmful substances. This process is called aeration.

Aerosol

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you need to use it, teach the word/concept.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "spray" or a chemical "in the air."

Explain

Some chemicals are sprayed into the air to kill bugs. Breathing in these chemicals can be harmful.

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)

Tip

Explain it.

Try This Instead

Consider using an example of something ATSDR does to contextualize.

Explain

ATSDR is the leading federal health agency dedicated to increasing understanding of harmful substances and how they affect our health.

Ambient

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "surrounding."

Explain

We found that the surrounding air has unsafe levels of mercury

Analyte

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you need to use it, teach the concept.

Try This Instead

Explain that an “analyte” is a chemical substance being analyzed in a laboratory.

Explain

Scientists analyze the components of a chemical substance in a laboratory.

Analytic study/Analytic epidemiologic study

Tip

Use this term only if including technical information about methodology is important.

Try This Instead

Consider "study" or "research."

Explain

Experts tested a scientific theory by looking at the connection between contact with a harmful substance and getting sick. This process is called an analytic epidemiologic study. (See “epidemiology”)

Antagonistic effect

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Rephrase and use specifics to describe what's happening.

Explain

We learned that contact with the second chemical may actually make the health effects of the first chemical less serious.

Anthropogenic substances

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "caused by people or human activity." You may also reword to use "impact" or "effect" of human activity or people on the environment.

Explain

Arsenic pollution can happen naturally, or it may be caused by the activities of people.

B

Background level

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "average level." You may also rephrase to explain that some amount of exposure may occur "naturally."

Explain

We compared this information to levels [of substance] commonly found in air, water, and soil in other parts of the state.

Bioaccumulation

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Describe how a substance can "be stored in the body over time."

Explain

If we come in contact with pesticides over time, they can be stored in our bodies.

Biological sample

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "sample" with specific information about what the sample is (e.g., hair, urine, blood).

Explain

Your doctor may take blood and urine samples to check for signs of contact with and presence of the chemicals in your body.

Biomarkers

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "signs," as well as writing specifically about how it is being evaluated (i.e., checking hair, blood, or urine).

Explain

Your doctor can check your blood for signs of exposure.

Biomedical testing

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "testing" or "tests."

Explain

Based on your exposure, your doctor might run tests to see if contact with cadmium could have caused changes in your body.

Biomonitoring

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "testing" or "tests."

Explain

To check for signs of harmful substances in your body, experts may test your blood, urine, or breath.

Biota

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you need to use it, teach the word.

Try This Instead

Describe how certain animals and plants are unique to specific time periods or regions.

Explain

The plants and animals found on islands are different from those found in mountain regions.

Blood lead level

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "amount" or "level" of lead in the blood, or explain what it means.

Explain

The test showed the level of lead in her blood was much higher than the level in most children.

Blood sample

Tip

Okay to use this term, but teach it.

Try This Instead

Define it by explaining the process and purpose of taking a sample.

Explain

The nurse will use a needle to get a small amount of blood for testing. This is called a "blood sample."

Body burden

Tip

Only use this term when including technical information about methodology is important.

Try This Instead

Total amount or “burden” of certain chemicals that can build up in a person’s system to the point when they become harmful.

Explain

Certain substances can build up in the body over time to levels that cause harm.

Breathing zone

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Work around this term by specifying the location of the breathing zone or simply use "air" or "air people breathe."

Explain

ATSDR found that students were breathing in unsafe levels of mercury in the science lab.

C

Cancer cluster

Tip

Try to avoid it. It may alarm readers.

Try This Instead

N/A

Explain

ATSDR: A cancer cluster is when a community is concerned that there are more cancer cases in their community than in other communities. NCEH: Experts may look to see if a group of people in a community have a higher rate of a certain kind of cancer than average, and then look to see if there might be a common cause.

Cancer risk

Tip

Try to avoid this term; you can rephrase to make meaning clearer to consumers.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, use "risk of causing cancer" or "how likely a substance is to cause cancer."

Explain

Experts can tell you how likely a substance is to cause cancer.

Capillary sample

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "blood sample."

Explain

For the test, your doctor will prick your skin to get a blood sample.

Carcinogenic

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "can cause cancer" or" cancer-causing."

Explain

Plutonium can cause cancer.

Case control study

Tip

Only use this term if it's important to include technical information about methodology.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, use "study" or "research."

Explain

Experts may compare people who have a disease with people who don't to find out if a harmful substance could be the cause of the disease. This is called a "case control study."

Case report

Tip

Consider avoiding this term unless it's necessary to clarify a classification of document.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, use "report."

Explain

Experts may write a report about one person's health condition and past contact with certain substances. This is called a "case report."

Case series

Tip

Consider avoiding this term unless it's necessary to clarify a classification of document.

Try This Instead

Use "reports," "research," or "studies."

Explain

Experts may review a set of reports on individuals with a similar health condition or exposure to a substance. The group of reports is called a "case series."

Chelation

Tip

Depending on context, you may be able to avoid this term, but you may need to teach it.

Try This Instead

Use "treatment" or "using a medicine."

Explain

If your child has lead poisoning, your doctor may use a medicine to take the lead out of her body. This is called "chelation."

Chronic exposure

Tip

Depending on context, you may be able to avoid this term, but you may need to teach it. You may also need to be specific about the dose (e.g., low, moderate, high levels).

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "long-term contact" or "regular contact."

Explain

When people have daily contact with a substance for more than one year, either at work or home, they have "chronic exposure."

Cohort study

Tip

Use this term only if you need to include technical information about methodology.

Try This Instead

Consider "study" or "research."

Explain

A study that follows a group of people over a period of time to see if they develop the same health problems is called a "cohort study."

Color discrimination

Tip

Do not use. People may assume you're talking about racial discrimination.

Try This Instead

Explain the symptom — that people have trouble telling colors apart.

Explain

Over time, styrene can affect your nerves, causing symptoms. Some people start to have trouble telling colors apart, similar to color blindness.

Community Assistance Panel (CAP)

Tip

Depending on context, you may be able to avoid this, but you may need to teach it.

Try This Instead

If possible, contextualize by referring to the specific task(s) CAP assisted with. Consider some form of "a group of people who work with ATSDR to solve problems in their community."

Explain

ATSDR worked with a community group called a “CAP” to collect information about the health concerns of local people. CAP members help ATSDR solve problems related to harmful substances in their community.

Comparison value

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you need to use it, teach it (including its purpose).

Try This Instead

Rephrase and talk about "levels that aren't likely to cause harmful health effects."

Explain

The "comparison value (CV)" is the largest amount of a substance in air, water, food, or soil that is unlikely to harm you

Completed exposure pathway

Tip

Avoid this term in plain language documents.

Try This Instead

A “completed” pathway means people were exposed to a substance. Use “people were exposed to [substance] at this site.” A “potential pathway” means that people could be/have been exposed.

Explain

ATSDR scientists found that people were likely exposed to arsenic at the site.

Compliance

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, rephrase to say "following the law" or "following medical advice or directions."

Explain

You need to follow the instructions on the medicine bottle so you can get better.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Just refer to "the law."

Explain

Congress passed a law (CERCLA) directing ATSDR to evaluate the possibility of health effects in communities affected by toxic waste sites.

Concentration

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "amount" or "level."

Explain

The soil had high levels of lead.

Contact paper

Tip

Okay to use this term, but teach it.

Try This Instead

Give context explaining how the contact paper will be used.

Explain

You can use special sticky paper (contact paper) to cover up holes in walls to protect your family from lead.

Contaminant

Tip

Try to avoid this, although in some contexts you may need to teach it.

Try This Instead

Consider "harmful substance" or “a substance that is present when it should not be.” You may also simply refer to the name of substance in question.

Explain

Harmful substances at levels that could cause health effects can get into your water supply and make you sick.

Contaminated

Tip

Teach this if you refer to the concept throughout a document (e.g., in a PHA) or presentation. If only mentioned a few times, you may want to avoid it.

Try This Instead

Explain how something has been "made unsafe."

Explain

The health department found very high levels of lead in the water supply. Those levels mean the water is contaminated with lead.

Contamination

Tip

You may be able to avoid this, but you may need to teach it.

Try This Instead

Rephrase to explain the causal relationship between contact with the substance and negative outcome (e.g., "make people sick" or "make unsafe").

Explain

Harmful substances can get into the soil and make people sick. This process is called "contamination."

Cross-sectional study

Tip

Use this term only if you need to include technical information about methodology.

Try This Instead

Consider "study" or "research."

Explain

Experts may do a study that looks at the current health of a large number of people at one point in time to find out how common a condition or disease is. This is called a "cross-sectional study."

Cumulative

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "combined," "total," or "added up."

Explain

Even contact with small amounts of a harmful substance can be dangerous because they can add up in your body over time.

D

Data

Tip

Teach this term at first use, and use "data" for subsequent uses.

Try This Instead

Use "scientific collection of facts or information."

Explain

Researchers will collect data about your health and your contact with harmful substances.

Delayed health effect

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Rephrase to be more specific: "health problems that happen [length of time] after contact."

Explain

Some people develop health problems months or years after contact with a harmful substance.

Deleading

Tip

Okay to use this term, but teach it.

Try This Instead

Define it by explaining the process.

Explain

To protect your family, you can take steps to safely remove lead paint or cover it up. This is called "deleading."

Demographics

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Focus on specific examples of the demographic information, like occupation, age, sex, and race/ethnicity.

Explain

We will ask you some questions about your age, race, sex, education, occupation, and income.

Department of Energy (DOE)

Tip

Consider introducing abbreviation at first mention so it may be used throughout the rest of the document.

Try This Instead

N/A

Explain

The Department of Energy works to protect our energy supply.

Dermal contact

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "skin contact." Or try rephrasing: "touches your skin" or "gets on your skin."

Explain

If sodium hydroxide in solid form gets on your skin, gently brush it away. If sodium hydroxide in liquid form gets on your skin, soak it up with a towel

Descriptive study

Tip

Only use this term if you need to include technical information about methodology.

Try This Instead

Consider "study," "research," or "survey."

Explain

Experts may do a descriptive study that provides information about the current health, attitude, or behavior of a group of people. This type of study doesn't sort out the causes or make predictions.

Detection

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "testing," "finding out," or "noticing."

Explain

Learn how to find out if you have radon in your home.

Detection limits

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "lowest level that will show up on a test" or further rephrasing.

Explain

The levels of arsenic in the [medium] were so low that they didn't show up on a test. They were below detection limits.

Deteriorate

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "break down," "change," or "get worse."

Explain

Arsenic can stay in the dirt for a long time, but does not become less toxic.

Developmental assessment

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you need to use it, teach it.

Try This Instead

Consider "checkup."

Explain

A doctor will check your child to see how she's growing, learning, behaving, and communicating. This checkup is called a "developmental" assessment.

Differential

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Rephrase to use "different" or "similar."

Explain

There wasn’t much difference in arsenic levels in the soil at the two sites.

Disease registry

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, use "records," "information," or "list."

Explain

We collected information about past cases of people with cancer who lived near the toxic waste site.

Disinfect

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "clean" or "kill germs."

Explain

Chlorine dioxide is used to kill germs in water to make it safe to drink.

Dissolve

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "mix with."

Explain

Harmful materials can mix with water, making it unsafe to drink.

Dose / response

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Explain how exposure to a certain amount of a harmful substance is required to cause a health effect.

Explain

In small amounts, aluminum won't harm you. But at higher amounts, it can cause health problems.

Dry scraping or dry sanding

Tip

Okay to use this term, but teach it.

Try This Instead

Describe the process.

Explain

Scraping or sanding dry, old paint is dangerous. This is called "dry scraping" (or "dry sanding"), and it can spread a lot of lead dust into the air. Wetting old pain before sanding or scraping makes this process safer. (See “wet scraping.”)

Duration

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "period of time" or "amount of time." Also consider using specific measures of time: months, years, etc.

Explain

Your risk of getting sick is higher if you've been breathing in mercury for [amount of time].

E

Elevated

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "higher" or "raised."

Explain

Your doctor will test the level of tungsten in your blood to see if it's higher than normal.

Elevated Blood Lead Level (EBLL)

Tip

Depending on context, you may able to avoid this term, but you may need to teach it.

Try This Instead

Consider using "high lead levels" or "high levels of lead in the blood."

Explain

Your doctor may suggest treatment if your child has an elevated blood lead level (EBLL) or a high level of lead in her blood.

Encapsulant

Tip

Depending on context, you may able to avoid this term, but you may need to teach it.

Try This Instead

Rephrase using "seal up" or "seal off."

Explain

An expert can use special liquids or sprays to seal off asbestos so it won't harm you. They are called "encapsulants."

Encapsulation

Tip

Depending on context, you may able to avoid this term, but you may need to teach it.

Try This Instead

Use "sealing up" or "sealing off."

Explain

An expert can use special liquids or sprays to seal off lead paint to keep you safe. This process is called "encapsulation."

Environmental hazard

Tip

Try to avoid this term. Readers might be confused by the difference between environmental hazards and hazards to the environment.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "dangers in the environment," "health risks," or "harmful substances." Also consider rephrasing to use "can make you sick."

Explain

If the arsenic level in your water is too high, it can make you sick.

Environmental health

Tip

Recommend teaching this term.

Try This Instead

N/A

Explain

Environmental health is the study of how the environment can affect people's health.

Environmental media

Tip

Try to avoid this term. Readers might be confused by the word "media."

Try This Instead

Rephrase to be more specific, using "soil," "water," "air," "plants," or "animals."

Explain

Experts may test the soil or air for harmful substances.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Tip

Introduce abbreviation at first mention so you can use it throughout the rest of the document.

Try This Instead

N/A

Explain

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the government agency that helps protect our environment.

Epidemiology

Tip

Depending on context, you may be able to avoid this term, but you may need to teach it.

Try This Instead

Consider more general wording using "research" or "science."

Explain

Some scientists study diseases in groups of people to figure out how to stop them from spreading. This study is called "epidemiology."
Some scientists study how an illness or disease affects a group of people. They also try to determine ways to stop the spread of illness and disease within the group. This study is called "epidemiology."

Evaluation

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "checkup," "test," or "testing." Also consider "summary," "examination," or "study" for other context.

Explain

An expert will test the soil to see if it is safe.
A study of many sample results showed chemicals.

Exposure

Tip

You may be able to avoid this term, but teaching it may be useful.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, use “contact with” or specify the type of exposure with terms like “breathe in” or “swallow.”

Explain

Contact with mercury can cause serious health problems.

Exposure area

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider “location, “area,” or “affected area or location.” You may also consider rewording and stating a specific place instead.

Explain

People who were in the science lab during the spill were the most likely to have contact with mercury.

Exposure assessment

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "evaluation," "measurement," "investigation," or simply "assessment."

Explain

Experts will gather all the available information about what happened, including

How you came into contact with arsenic
How much arsenic you had contact with over a period of time.

Exposure data

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "information" with specifics about the substance.

Explain

We collected information about contact with cadmium.

Exposure dose

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "amount of," "how much," or rephrase to use "level(s)."

Explain

People had contact with very high levels of cadmium.

Exposure dose reconstruction

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "study" or "estimate." Describe the process.

Explain

We don't have records of how much arsenic was in the water 20 years ago. So we used computers to estimate how much arsenic may have been in the water then.

Exposure investigation

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "investigation" or rephrasing to use other terms like "look at" or "study." Describe the process.

Explain

To find out about possible health effects, we'll sample soil in the area. We may also test people who live there. For example, we might take blood samples to find out if people have had contact with the chemicals.

Exposure pathway

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

When possible, explain the specific exposure pathway. You can also talk more generally about how people "come into or have contact" with a toxic substance or how it "gets into your body."

Explain

Lead can get into your body by breathing it in, touching it, or swallowing it.

Exposure registry

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "list" and add details.

Explain

ATSDR has a list of about 10,000 people who have been exposed to benzene.

Exterior

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "outer" or "outside."

Explain

Look for signs of peeling paint on the outside of your home.

F

Feasibility study

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you need to use it, teach the concept.

Try This Instead

Explain the importance of determining if a project is “feasible”; that is, if NCEH/ATSDR should undertake it, if it can be completed, and if a specific outcome will result.

Explain

Federal agencies sometimes conduct a review to see if a project will work before they invest time and money in it.

Field observations

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Work around the term by explaining the goal of the field observation. Depending on context, consider using terms like "visits to the site," "watching," "checking out," or "inspecting."

Explain

A public health expert will check out the site to learn more about the chemicals in the ground.

Frequency

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use specific numbers when possible, especially if showing an increase or decrease. Depending on context, consider focusing on the "number of times," "amount of times," or "how often."

Explain

This report shows how often the factory dumped harmful chemicals into the river.

Fungicide

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you have to use it, teach it.

Try This Instead

Define it as a pesticide — or more specifically, as a chemical used to kill fungus. Using the more familiar words "mold" or "mildew" can also help readers understand.

Explain

The company sprayed fungicide on their wheat fields to keep their plants healthy. Fungicide is a type of chemical to kill fungus, like mold.

G

Genotoxic carcinogens

Tip

Try to avoid this term. For consumers, the way a substance causes cancer — whether it's genotoxic or non-genotoxic — usually won't matter.

Try This Instead

Just say that the substance "causes cancer."

Explain

Radiation causes cancer by harming and changing DNA.

Geographic information system (GIS)

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you need to use it, teach the term.

Try This Instead

Give examples of how scientists (epidemiologists) use GIS to map events to specific locations.

Explain

During a disease outbreak, knowing the affected regions can sometimes help scientists identify the source of the disease and the locations with cases of the disease.

Grab samples

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "sample," "soil sample," or "water sample"

Explain

Experts will take samples of the water to test for harmful substances.

Ground water

Tip

Depending on context, you may be able to avoid this term, but you may need to teach it.

Try This Instead

Use "water under the ground" or "water below the earth's surface."

Explain

Ground water is water that collects naturally underground.

H

Half-life

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you need to use it, teach the concept.

Try This Instead

Explain the term based on context.

For radiation, “half-life” is the length of time necessary for half of the radioactive atoms of a specific radionuclide to decay.
For exposure, “half-life” is the amount of time required for the amount of a substance in the body to decrease by half

Explain

Radionuclides used in nuclear medicine procedures, like imaging, have short half-lives.

Hazardous waste

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "harmful substances," “chemicals,” or "dangerous substances," or rephrase with additional context.

Explain

The chemicals that were dumped into the stream may be harmful to your health.

Health assessment

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

When speaking about general "health assessments," use more familiar language, like "check-up with a doctor." (See also "public health assessment.")

Explain

People in the town will get check-ups with a doctor to make sure they weren't affected by the chemicals.

Health consultation

Tip

Use this term only if you need to clarify classification of a document.

Try This Instead

A report with information that responds to a specific health question or a possible environmental problem.

Explain

ATSDR releases reports with information about specific health questions or possible environmental problems. These reports are called "health consultations."

Health effect

Tip

You may use this term if you put it into context.

Try This Instead

May also consider "effect" or "symptom."

Explain

Symptoms of breathing in ozone may include coughing and wheezing.

Health examination (by a healthcare provider)

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

When speaking about general "health examination," use more familiar language, like "check-up with a doctor." (See also "public health assessment.")

Explain

People in the town will get check-ups with a doctor to make sure they weren't affected by the chemicals.

Health hazard

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you have to use it, teach it.

Try This Instead

In many cases, simply calling something "dangerous" will get the idea across faster than going into the nuances of "health hazard" as a category. When you need to use "health hazard" as a classification, explain it.

Explain

ATSDR announced that the building is a health hazard; having contact with the building (like living in it) for a year or more could harm your health.

Health outcomes

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Describe the health outcome with details. Also consider "effect."

Explain

After the toxic waste spill, cancer rates went up.

Health statistics review

Tip

Consider avoiding this term unless it's necessary to clarify a classification of document.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, use "research," "facts," or "information."

Explain

Experts looked at existing health information to find out if rates of disease are higher in a specific group of people, area, and time period. This process is called a "health statistics" review.

HEPA filter

Tip

Teach this term when recommending that consumers purchase one. Otherwise, avoid it.

Try This Instead

Consider "air filter" without getting more specific.

Explain

HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters are special air filters that may help your asthma symptoms.

Human activities

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you have to use it, teach the term.

Try This Instead

When possible, avoid the term and focus on the specific human activities being discussed. Always give an example for context.

Explain

Human activities caused the pollution in the river, for example, using chemicals at nearby factories and farms.

I

Implementation

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider forms of "put into effect," "apply," "start," or "begin." Specify what was implemented.

Explain

Since beginning the cleanup efforts, the levels of mercury in the water have gone down.

Incidence

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "rate."

Explain

Cancer rates have increased in the past five years.

Incineration

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you have to use it, teach the term.

Try This Instead

When possible, simply say "burning." If explaining the term is important (e.g. the incineration of chemical weapons), stress the safety of the process.

Explain

NCEH will destroy the chemicals by putting them in a special container and burning them safely. This is called "incineration."

Indicators

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider “sign," “symptom,” or "marker."

Explain

Shrinking polar ice caps are one sign of climate change.

Information repository

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "collection of information" or rephrase to describe it more specifically.

Explain

ATSDR has put together a collection of information about the toxic waste site.

Ingest

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "eat" or "swallow."

Explain

Lead can make you sick if you swallow it.

Inhale

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "breathe in" or "breathe."

Explain

Breathing in ammonia can make you cough.

Inorganic

Tip

Consumers may not understand the difference between organic and inorganic chemicals--and may not need to. Recommend including when necessary for accuracy but not attempting to describe the technical distinction. Consumers may also confuse this meaning with organic food or other products.

Try This Instead

Write about chemicals without getting into organic/inorganic distinction.

Explain

1. There are 3 kinds of mercury: elemental, organic mercury compounds, and inorganic mercury compounds. 2. There are 3 kinds of mercury and each affects your health differently. [Type of mercury] can affect your health...

Inspect

Tip

Okay to use this term.

Try This Instead

Give details about what is being inspected and why.

Explain

When we inspect your home, we'll test the dirt in your yard for lead. Many older homes have lead paint, which can be harmful, especially to children under age 6 and pregnant women.

Interim Control

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "short-term fixes" or rephrase to allow for use of "in the meantime..." or "while you wait for a permanent solution..."

Explain

There are some things you can do to reduce or avoid exposure while you wait for experts to remove lead paint from your home.

Interim remedial actions

Tip

Avoid this term in plain language documents.

Try This Instead

Describe how Intermediate (short-term) actions can help prevent further harm to people or the environment, for example, at a contaminated site.

Explain

Follow steps to reduce or prevent exposure to harmful chemicals until a permanent solution can be carried out.

Interior

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "in" or "inside."

Explain

Get your house tested to find out if you have lead paint inside or outside your house.

L

Learning disability

Tip

Okay to use this term.

Try This Instead

Give details about the specific learning disability you're discussing.

Explain

Children who have contact with lead may later develop learning disabilities, like having trouble paying attention in school.

Level of concern (LOC)

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "levels high enough to be a problem" or other ways of rephrasing the specific problem.

Explain

The levels of chemicals found in the water were high enough to cause health problems.

Lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL)

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider a phrase like “lowest level of [chemical] that's harmful."

Explain

Scientists ran tests to find out the lowest level of mercury that could harm lake trout

M

Malignancy

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "cancer."

Explain

Some pesticides can cause cancer.

Maximum contaminant level (MCL)

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you need to use it, teach the term.

Try This Instead

Explain how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets maximum safe levels of contaminants in the environment to ensure public health.

Explain

The Safe Drinking Water Act sets the maximum contaminant levels of substances in public water systems.

Mean

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "average."

Explain

The average age of people in the study was 45 years.

Mechanism

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Rephrase to describe the way something happens or how it happens.

Explain

TCE in high doses can damage some nerves in your body and cause conditions such as color blindness.

Median

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

State facts without calling attention to the median. Do not use this term for plain language documents. Use in scientific documents only.

Explain

N/A

Meteorological

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "related to the weather," or explain the specific type of weather for context.

Explain

The EPA set up a temporary station to collect data about the weather, like the amount of chemicals in the air, wind direction, and wind speed.

Methodology

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Rephrase to explain the way experts conducted the research. Do not use "methodology" in plain language documents.

Explain

Scientists compared two groups of people: one group that worked with benzene and one group that did not work with benzene. This comparison can help us understand how benzene can harm health.

Micrograms per deciliter (μg/dl)

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you need to refer to specific safe/unsafe blood lead levels, teach it.

Try This Instead

Consider rephrasing to focus on what the level means (e.g. "safe," "normal," "unsafe," "high," etc.)

Explain

When lead in the blood reaches 5 μg/dl, it can cause serious health problems; "μg/dl" is how lead is measured in the blood — in the same way that we measure weight in pounds and distance in miles.

Migration

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider using the terms “moving” or “going“ from one place to another.

Explain

Scientists can determine whether harmful chemicals have moved from groundwater into buildings.
Scientists are studying how melting polar ice caps are causing animals to move to different areas.

Minimal risk level (MRL)

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Rephrase to write about "levels that aren't likely to cause harmful health effects."

Explain

The levels of chemicals released during the fire aren't likely to harm people or animals in the town.

Mode of action

Tip

Try to avoid this term. Keep in mind that most readers will not need to know the specifics of a toxicant's mode of action on the molecular level.

Try This Instead

Shift the focus to how something "works," the changes it causes, or the effects it has.

Explain

Arsenic can cause changes in cells that lead to cancer.

Monitor

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, use “watch,” “keep track of,” “test," or “measure.”

Explain

ATSDR recommends that the local health department continue to test arsenic levels in the soil for the next 3 years.

Morbidity

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, use “rates," "risk," or "cases" of a disease or condition. Or reword to write about a substance "making people sick."

Explain

ATSDR collected information about the cases of illness in employees who worked with asbestos.

Mortality

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, use "death," "rate of death," or "number of deaths."

Explain

Experts reviewed the number of deaths caused by contact with very high amounts of arsenic.

N

National Priorities List (NPL)

Tip

Use this term only if you need to be specific about a site's classification as a "National Priority." Explain it when you do.

Try This Instead

Consider explaining that a site is "especially dangerous” or “important to clean up."

Explain

The National Priorities List (NPL) is the government’s list of the most serious toxic waste sites in the United States.

Naturally occurring substances

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, use ”found in nature,” “natural,” or "happens naturally."

Explain

Some harmful substances can be found in nature.

Nervous system

Tip

Be more specific if you can. If you have to use the term, teach it.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, use "brain," "spine," or "nerves."

Explain

High levels of metal in your body can harm your nervous system. Your nervous system includes your brain, spine, and nerves.

No observed adverse effect level (NOAEL)

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If it's necessary to use it, teach it.

Try This Instead

N/A

Explain

"No observed adverse effect level (NOAEL)" is the highest level of a chemical identified in a scientific study that did not cause a harmful effect to those in that study.

Non-genotoxic carcinogens

Tip

Try to avoid this term. For consumers, the way a substance causes cancer—whether genotoxic or non-genotoxic—may not matter.

Try This Instead

Non-genotoxic carcinogens are substances (usually chemicals) that can cause cancer without directly affecting genes – the hereditary units within cells.

Explain

Some pesticides can cause cancer by changing the way the body makes and uses hormones.

Not to exceed

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "shouldn’t go over," "shouldn’t go above," "should be below," or "should stay below."

Explain

When the air inside the building is tested, the level of PCE should not go over [enter measurement].

O

Occupational

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "work-related" or "at work."

Explain

Having contact with mercury at work every day can harm your health.

Organic

Tip

Consumers may not understand the difference between organic and inorganic chemicals--and may not need to. Recommend including when necessary for accuracy but not attempting to describe the technical distinction. Consumers may also confuse the concept with those relevant to organic food.

Try This Instead

Write about chemicals without getting into organic/inorganic distinction.

Explain

There are 3 kinds of mercury: elemental, organic mercury compounds, and inorganic mercury compounds.

P

Particulate matter (PM_2.5 /PM₁₀)

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you need to use it, teach it.

Try This Instead

Define it by focusing on more tangible substances people will understand (e.g. dirt, dust).

Explain

Tiny bits of dust, dirt, ash, and other materials can float in the air, where you may breathe them in. These are called "particulate matter."

Particulates (see also “particulate matter”)

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you need to use it, teach it.

Try This Instead

Explain how substances can break down into small particles (called particulates) that can contribute to air pollution. Use terms that people are more likely to understand such as dust, dirt, and ash.

Explain

Breathing in tiny bits of dust, dirt, ash, and other material in the air can be harmful to health.

Permeability

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Explain how substances have the ability to pass through a protective coating or membrane.

Explain

Some chemicals are easily absorbed through your skin and may cause harm.

Persistence

Tip

Okay to use this term, but simplify it.

Try This Instead

Explain how prolonged exposure to a substance or event can lead to problems.

Explain

Sometimes when a chemical remains in the environment for a long time, it can cause harm.

Pica

Tip

Recommend defining this term.

Try This Instead

Eating non-food items such as clay, soil, or paper.

Explain

Pica is a condition that makes you want to eat paint chips, dirt, and other things that aren't food. Example: Because children have pica behavior, they may swallow harmful substances.

Plume

Tip

Teach this term. Define the word once and then use it.

Try This Instead

Define what the plume is and how it's moving.

Explain

A large amount of the chemical leaked into the river and traveled downstream to the city.

Point of exposure

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Rephrase to describe the point of exposure instead.

Explain

People may come into contact with arsenic through their well water.

Potable

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "drinkable" or "safe to drink."

Explain

Find out if your tap water is safe to drink or if you'll need to get a water filter.

Potential exposure pathway

Tip

Define the term.

Try This Instead

A potential exposure pathway is a term used to describe how chemicals get into the environment and then possibly into your body.

Explain

TCE was spilled on the site in 1970s. The TCE got into the soil and now may be seeping into the air inside the building. Breathing TCE could make people sick. ATSDR will study the potential exposure pathway of TCE from the site to see if it is getting into people's bodies.

Potentially exposed population

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, use “people at risk,” “people who had contact with," or explain who or where the affected population is.

Explain

High winds during the fire put more people in the nearby town at risk of breathing dangerous chemicals.

Potentially responsible party (PRP)

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, use more specific terms, like the people or company responsible for cleaning up a site.

Explain

Owners of the factory were responsible for cleaning up the site.

Prenatal

Tip

Okay to use this term, but teach it.

Try This Instead

Use the words "pregnant" and "pregnancy" when defining the term.

Explain

Pregnant women need regular check-ups with their doctors (prenatal care) to make sure the mother and baby stay healthy.

Property

Tip

Okay to use this term to show ownership. Avoid using it when describing a characteristic (e.g. properties of an element).

Try This Instead

Rather than defining the properties of a material, just focus on the relevant details that people need to know.

Explain

Mercury is a silver-white, liquid metal.

Proportion

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "amount," "number," or "how much."

Explain

We recommend that the community take steps to increase the number of children who get their blood tested for lead.

Protocol

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "steps," "plan," or "process."

Explain

ATSDR worked with the local health department to develop a plan for the site's cleanup.

Public availability session

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "community meeting" or "a chance for community members to meet with ATSDR staff." You may also rephrase to be specific about the purpose or outcome of the meeting.

Explain

ATSDR will hold a meeting next week to give community members a chance to discuss their concerns directly with ATSDR staff members.

Public health assessment (PHA)

Tip

Avoid this term unless you need to classify the document. Otherwise, explain it.

Try This Instead

Consider "study" or "investigation." You may also explain aspects of the assessment with clearer phrases like "tested the water."

Explain

During a public health assessment (PHA), ATSDR works with other agencies, states, and local governments to look at health risks in communities where people may have contact with chemicals.

Public health surveillance

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Rephrase to write about the process. Consider "gather" or "analyze" information.

Explain

ATSDR will continue to gather information about the site. We'll share what we learn with community groups as soon as possible.

Q

Qualitative

Tip

Define the term and give an example.

Try This Instead

Information that describes something, but doesn’t use a measured amount or quantity.

Explain

1. The chemical was a dark green liquid. 2. The exposure caused a bright red swelling of the worker's face and hands.

Quantitative

Tip

Define the term and give an example.

Try This Instead

Information about the amount or measured level of something.

Explain

1. More than 80 gallons of benzene spilled into the creek. 2. In those who were exposed, blood lead levels were 3 times higher than in those who were not exposed.

R

Radionuclides

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Discuss the sources of radiation and the effects that radiation has on people and on the environment.

Explain

Small radioactive particles are both found in nature and made in the laboratory. They are used in medicine for imaging tests and for treatment.

Radius

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, try stating the distance from a specific location.

Explain

Officials warned people who live within 4 miles of the oil leak to stop drinking their tap water.

Range

Tip

May be fine to use if you put it in context.

Try This Instead

Rephrase, using "between" and specific numbers.

Explain

Levels of arsenic in food are usually between 20 and 140 parts per billion (ppb).

Recall

Tip

If you have to use this term, teach it.

Try This Instead

Rather than saying "issued a recall," just say "recalled." Explain what a recall is— with clear words like "stop selling" — and emphasize what the consumer can do.

Explain

Because the product is not safe, the company recalled it, and stores will stop selling it. If you have the product, you should be able to take it back to the store to get your money back.

Receptor population

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, use “people who come in contact with" or refer to specific population.

Explain

People who breathe in mercury vapors may have serious health problems.

Reduce

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "lower" or "lessen."

Explain

Take steps to lower your risk of health effects caused by contact with chemicals.

Reference dose (RfD)

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you need to use it, teach it.

Try This Instead

Rephrase to write about "levels that aren't likely to cause harmful health effects."

Explain

A reference dose estimates how much of a substance is not likely to harm people who are exposed every day for a lifetime.

Registry

Tip

Because this word is part of ATSDR's name and because ATSDR has established health registries, we recommend teaching this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, use "records," "information," or "list."

Explain

A registry is a formal collection of information about people who are exposed to a chemical or who have a specific illness.

Remediation

Tip

Depending on context, you may be able to avoid this term, but you may need to teach it.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "fixing," "repair," "removal," or "clean up."

Explain

1. You may need to have materials containing asbestos removed from your home. This process is called "remediation." 2. The soil in your yard is contaminated with lead from the mine tailings piles. EPA may remove and replace the soil in your yard in a process called "remediation."

Renal

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Use "kidney" or "related to the kidneys."

Explain

Kidney failure can happen very quickly.

Renovate

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "remodel" or "repair."

Explain

Test the tiles for asbestos before you remodel the kitchen.

Repository

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "collection" or some variation of "store" or "storage."

Explain

We reviewed samples CDC stored in the past.

Respirator

Tip

If you have to use this term, teach it.

Try This Instead

Explain what a respirator does.

Explain

At work, you may be need to wear a special mask over your mouth and nose to make sure the air you breathe is safe. This is called a "respirator."

Risk

Tip

Okay to use this term. Consider explaining it for audiences with limited health literacy skills.

Try This Instead

Rephrase to describe how likely something is to cause harm.

Explain

People living near the site may be more likely to get cancer.

Risk assessment

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider rephrasing with details to describe what's happening.

Explain

We reviewed information to find out if the chemical spill was likely to cause harm.

Risk factor

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Rephrase to describe the specific risk factor and the danger it poses.

Explain

Experts found that people breathing the chemicals in the air may be more likely to develop cancer.

Route of exposure

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Rephrase to describe how the person is exposed (e.g., swallowing, breathing in, touching).

Explain

People had contact with the chemical when they drank unsafe water.

S

Safety factor

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Rephrase to give a basic explanation of how experts calculated the safety factor. Consider "used computers."

Explain

Since we don't have information from 5 years ago, we used computers to estimate how much arsenic was in the soil at that time.

Sample

Tip

Okay to use this term.

Try This Instead

Also consider "small amounts of soil or water."

Explain

The local health department collected soil samples for testing.

Sample size

Tip

May be okay to use this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "size of the sample." When talking about people in a study, say "people.”

Explain

Experts decided they needed to test a larger group of people.

Sediment

Tip

Avoid if possible. If you need to use it many times in a document — like one discussing contaminated sediment — teach the word.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, you may be able to use "sand" or another specific type of sediment and describe how it sinks to the bottom.

Explain

ATSDR found unsafe levels of chemicals in the sand at the bottom of the pond.

Solder

Tip

If you need to use this term, teach it.

Try This Instead

Define it by explaining how it's used.

Explain

Plumbers heat up a special metal called "solder" to fix pipes. In the past, solder was often made of lead.

Solvent

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you have to use it, teach the word. Keep in mind that readers may not need to understand solvents as a category (liquids that dissolve other substances). Instead, they may just want to know examples.

Try This Instead

Provide examples of familiar solvents.

Explain

Breathing in solvents — a type of chemical — when you're pregnant may not be safe. Solvents can be in paint, nail polish remover, cleaners, and other products.

Source of contamination

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "source" and give details about where a harmful substance is coming from or what causes it.

Explain

ATSDR learned that the chemicals in the water were coming from the town's factory.

Stakeholders

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Specify the stakeholder when possible, such as "community groups, "school districts," or "public health professionals." If you need to refer to stakeholders as a group, consider "concerned community members" or "people concerned about the site."

Explain

ATSDR has set up a community meeting for all people and groups concerned about the health risks from the site.

Statistics

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Scientific approach to determine the likelihood that a certain event was the cause of an effect or outcome.

Explain

Research from the study showed a link between long-term contact and higher rates of cancer.

Subsurface

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "underground," "under the ground," or "below the ground."

Explain

ATSDR took samples of rocks from under the ground.

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)

Tip

Try to avoid this.

Try This Instead

Rephrase, referring to "the law."

Explain

The SARA (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act) law gives people who live near Superfund sites with hazardous substances some control in how they are cleaned up

Superfund site

Tip

Only use this term if it's important to know that the site is classified as a Superfund site.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, use "toxic waste sites," "dangerous waste site," or "areas with harmful substances."

Explain

The government keeps track of areas with dangerous waste -- like some old factories or mines -- and works to get them cleaned up. They're called Superfund sites.

Surface

Tip

Okay to use this term, but explain the context.

Try This Instead

Consider using "top" or "top layer."

Explain

They collected samples from the surface (top layer) of dirt outside the mine.

Surface water

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, refer to specific bodies of water, like lakes, rivers, streams, or ponds.

Explain

After heavy rains, water in ponds and steams near the site had higher levels of mercury.

Surveillance

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, try "keeping track of," "watching," "testing," or "checking."

Explain

The health department will keep track of lead levels in children's blood over a 5-year period.

Synergistic effect

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Rephrase to describe specific meaning.

Explain

One chemical may worsen the health effects caused by another chemical.

T

Tenant

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider "renter" or rework the sentence to use the word "rent."

Explain

If you rent your home, ask your landlord if it's been tested for radon.

Teratogen

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Explain the specific birth defects caused by the substance.

Explain

Thalidomide can cause birth defects, like blindness and brain damage.

Tolerable daily intake

Tip

Try to avoid this term. If you have to use it, teach it.

Try This Instead

See “Explain”.

Explain

The tolerable daily intake is the highest amount of a chemical — often in air, food or water — that you can have contact with every day that won't cause long-term health effects.

Toxic

Tip

Recommend limiting use of this term. Consider avoiding this term when possible to be more descriptive about what it actually means to the consumer.

Try This Instead

Consider "dangerous," "harmful," or "poisonous."

Explain

Lead paint in old houses can poison children.

Toxicity

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Consider rephrasing to describe how harmful or dangerous a substance is.

Explain

ATSDR partnered with the local health department to find out how harmful the chemicals are.

Toxicology

Tip

You may not always need to use this term, but you may need to teach it.

Try This Instead

Consider keeping terms general and using "science," "research," or "study."

Explain

Toxicology is the study of the harmful effects of substances on humans or animals.

Toxin

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "chemical," "poison," "harmful substance," or simply use the name of the substance.

Explain

Ricin is a poison that can make people sick.

U

Uncertainty factor (See "safety factor.")

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Rephrase to briefly describe how experts calculated the uncertainty factor. Consider "used computers."

Explain

Since we don't have information from 5 years ago, we used computers to estimate how much arsenic was in the soil at that time.

Urgent public health hazard (UPHH)

Tip

Introduce abbreviation at first mention so it may be used throughout the rest of the document.

Try This Instead

Define this as an "unsafe area" or "dangerous area" and contextualize with specific information.

Explain

This site is an urgent public health hazard (UPHH). Being near it could be dangerous — even for a short time.

V

Validate

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, rework the sentence and use "check, "make sure," "prove" or "test."

Explain

To make sure that the results of the first test were correct, your doctor will test you a second time.

Vapor

Tip

Avoid this term when possible. If you can't, explain it.

Try This Instead

Depending on context, consider "fumes." You may also consider rephrasing to state the type of vapor, like "steam" or "mist" or "water that has evaporated into the air."

Explain

Spilled mercury can go into the air. The mercury that stays in the air is called “mercury vapor.”

Vapor migration (Vapor intrusion)

Tip

Teach this term.

Try This Instead

Describe what's happening.

Explain

Chemicals under the ground can seep into the air in your home. This is called "vapor intrusion."

Variance

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

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Consider "difference.”

Explain

Experts say that the amount of lead in a person's blood can cause a 1% to 2% difference in their blood pressure levels.

Vector

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

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If discussing vector-born disease, describe it as a "disease spread by animals." But whenever possible, avoid explaining the larger concept (vectors and disease) and just name the specific vector (like ticks or mosquitoes).

Explain

She is an expert in studying diseases spread by animals, like mosquitoes and ticks.

Venous sample

Tip

Try to avoid this term.

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Use "blood sample" and teach it by explaining the process and purpose of taking a sample.

Explain

The doctor will use a needle to get a small amount of blood for testing.

Volatile

Tip

Avoid this term. If you need to use it, teach it.

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Explain that a volatile chemical is one that can rapidly evaporate into the air.

Explain

When a chemical can evaporate rapidly, we say it is “volatile,” whether it is in liquid form, dissolved in water, or bound in soil.

Volatile organic compounds

Tip

Avoid this term in plain language documents.

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See definition for “volatile.” Organic chemicals contain at least one carbon atom. Volatile organic compounds can evaporate rapidly.

Explain

Volatile organic compounds include at least one carbon atom and can evaporate rapidly whether in liquid form, dissolved in water, or bound in soil.

W

Wet scrape

Tip

Teach this term.

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Explain the process and why it helps.

Explain

To protect themselves from harmful lead dust when scraping old paint, experts use an approach called "wet scraping." They keep the paint wet as they scrape it, so less dust gets into the air.

Page last reviewed: August 13, 2019

Content source: National Center for Environmental Health

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