Terms Of Environment defines in non-technical language the more commonly
used environmental terms appearing in EPA publications, news releases, and other
Agency documents available to the general public, students, the media, and Agency
employees. The definitions do not constitute the Agency's official use of terms
and phrases for regulatory purposes, and nothing in this document should be
construed to alter or supplant any other federal document. Official terminology
may be found in the laws and related regulations as published in such sources
as the Congressional Record, Federal Register, and elsewhere.
The terms selected for inclusion are derived from previously published lists,
internal glossaries produced by various programs and specific suggestions made by
personnel in many Agency offices. The chemicals and pesticides selected for inclusion
are limited to those frequently referred to in Agency publications or that are the
subject of major regulatory or program activities.
Definitions or information about substances or program activities not included
herein may be found in EPA libraries or scientific/technical reference documents,
or may be obtained from various program offices.
Those with suggestions for future editions should write to the Editorial Services
Division, Office of Communications, Education, and Public Affairs, 1704 USEPA, Washington
DC 20460.