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A

Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) or Heart Attack: Occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing the heart not to receive enough blood. The more time that passes without treatment to restore blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart. Related to: Heart Attack and Stroke Dashboard.

Adverse Birth Outcome: Any unfavorable condition affecting the fetus or newborn during pregnancy, delivery, or shortly after birth. Common adverse birth outcomes include preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, birth defects, and neonatal death. These outcomes are influenced by maternal health, environmental exposures, healthcare access, nutrition, and socioeconomic conditions. Related to: Women’s Health and Birth Trends Dashboard.

Age-adjusted Rate: A summary statistic derived from the direct method that applies age-specific rates to a standard population to remove the effect of differing age distributions. In other words, it is a way of comparing health-related rates (like disease or death rates) between different groups by removing the effects of different age distributions. It shows what the rate would be if all groups had the same age makeup, making comparisons more accurate. 

Air Monitoring Network: A coordinated system of monitoring stations designed to measure and track air pollutant concentrations over time and across geographic regions for regulatory compliance, public health surveillance, and environmental assessment. Related to: Air Quality Dashboard.

Air Monitoring Site: A physical location equipped with specialized instruments used to continuously or periodically measure outdoor air pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Related to: Air Quality Dashboard.

Air Pollutant: Any substance in the air that can harm human health or the environment. Common air pollutants include ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and lead. Related to: Air Quality Dashboard.

Air Pollution: The presence of harmful substances or contaminants in the air at concentrations that may negatively affect human health, ecosystems, visibility, or climate. Sources of air pollution include motor vehicles, industrial emissions, wildfires, and natural events. Related to: Air Quality Dashboard.

Air Quality Index (AQI): An index for reporting daily air quality. AQI shows how clean or polluted the air is and the associated health effects that might present a concern relating to ground-level ozone and particle pollution. The index uses values 0-500 to score the air quality. The higher the AQI values, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern. Related to: Air Quality Dashboard.

Ambient Air: Outdoor air we breathe, not confined to indoor or controlled environments. Related to: Air Quality Dashboard.

Analyte: A substance that is measured through chemical analysis. Drinking water analytes observed through the SC Tracking program include Arsenic, Nitrate, Halo-Acetic Acids (HAA5), total Trihalomethane (TTHM), Atrazine, Di(2-ethylhexy) Phthalate (DEHP), Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Trichloroethylene (TCE), combined radium (-226 & -228), and uranium. Learn more about each analyte by reviewing the term found within this glossary. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

Anencephaly: A severe neural tube defect in which major portions of the brain, skull, and scalp do not develop properly during fetal development. Related to: Women’s Health and Birth Trends Dashboard.

Arsenic: An inorganic chemical that is a byproduct of agricultural & industrial activities including erosion or natural deposits, runoff from orchards, glass, electronics, and production wastes. Long-term exposure could lead to skin damage, circulatory system issues, or potentially increase the risk of cancer. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

Asthma: A chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and swelling of the airways making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms may vary from person to person depending on the type of asthma you have. Common asthma symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness, coughing (nighttime or early morning), breathlessness, and fatigue. The cause of asthma is unknown; however, genetics, allergen exposure, and environmental factors are associated with this respiratory disease. Related to: Asthma Dashboard.

Asthma Triggers: Environmental or lifestyle factors (such as pollen, smoke, pollution, mold, or exercise) that can worsen asthma symptoms. Related to: Asthma Dashboard.

Atrazine: An organic chemical produced by runoff from herbicides used on row crops. Long-term exposure could lead to cardiovascular and reproductive problems. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

B

Behavioral Risk Factors of Chronic Disease: Behaviors such as tobacco use, inadequate diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption that contribute substantially to the onset and progression of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. 

Binge Drinking: Consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period (typically 5+ drinks for men or 4+ drinks for women on a single occasion) as per the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) definition. Related to: Cancer Dashboard. 

Birth Defect: A structural, functional, or metabolic abnormality present at birth that may affect physical development, organ function, or overall health. Birth defects may result from genetic, environmental, nutritional, or unknown causes. Related to: Women’s Health and Birth Trends Dashboard.

Blood Lead Level (BLL): The amount of lead in an individual's blood, measured as µg/dL. Blood lead levels can be determined by a capillary test (finger stick) or venous test, which are administered by healthcare professionals. Related to: Childhood Lead Dashboard.

Blood Lead Level (BLL) Reference Value: A blood lead level at or above the CDC's blood lead reference value as determined by confirmatory BLL screening. The CDC suggests using a venous test for confirmatory BLL screenings. In 2012, the CDC set the reference value at 5 µg/dL. This value was lowered to 3.5 µg/dL in 2022. There is no safe blood lead level, but children under the age of six are especially vulnerable to elevated blood lead levels because it can affect their brain and nervous system development. Related to: Childhood Lead Dashboard.

Breastfeeding Initiation: Breastfeeding initiation was defined as receiving any breast milk or colostrum between delivery and discharge from the birthing facility or birth certificate completion for home births. The data is available from birth certificate data through the National Vital Statistics System to determine the percentage of mothers who initiated breastfeeding. Related to: Women’s Health and Birth Trends Dashboard.

BRFSS (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System): A nationwide telephone survey system that collects information from adults about their health habits, chronic conditions, and use of preventive health services. Started in 1984, BRFSS now operates in every U.S. state, D.C., and several U.S. territories. With more than 400,000 interviews completed each year, it is the largest continuously running health survey in the world and helps states track health trends and make informed public health decisions.

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Cancer: A broad category of diseases characterized by unregulated cellular proliferation and potential spread beyond the originating tissue. May be classified by site, histology, stage, and behavior (e.g., in situ vs. invasive) for surveillance and public health assessment. Related to: Cancer Dashboard.

Capillary test: A test administered by healthcare providers to analyze blood values through a skin-prick. To test a patient's blood lead levels, a finger-prick or heel-prick is used to collect a small sample of blood for testing. If the capillary test result is 3.5 µg/dL or greater, a venous test should be considered to get a more accurate result. Related to: Childhood Lead Dashboard.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The U.S. federal public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, responsible for disease surveillance, prevention and control strategies, health promotion, and safety standards both domestically and internationally. 

Central Cancer Registry: A statewide database that collects information on cancer cases, including diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. The South Carolina Central Cancer Registry (SCCCR) is the population-based cancer surveillance system for the state of South Carolina, housed within DPH. The SCCCR collects, processes, analyzes, and publishes cancer incidence (newly diagnosed cases) for South Carolina, and is part of the CDC National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR). The SCCCR also publishes information on cancer mortality (deaths), with data provided from DPH’s Office of Vital Statistics. Related to: Cancer Dashboard.

Chronic Conditions: Long-duration health disorders (usually lasting ≥1 year) that necessitate ongoing medical care, reduce functional ability, and contribute to morbidity and mortality - often driven by behavioral risk factors and social determinants. Examples of chronic conditions include heart disease, asthma, and diabetes. 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Symptoms include frequent coughing or wheezing; excess phlegm, mucus, or sputum production; shortness of breath; and trouble taking a deep breath. Related to: COPD Dashboard.

Clean Air Act: Last amended in 1990, the Clean Air Act requires the EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for widespread pollutants from sources considered harmful to public health and the environment. The Clean Air Act established two types of national air quality standards. Primary standards, which are the standards referenced in the Air Quality Dashboard, set limits to protect public health, including the health of sensitive populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly. Secondary standards set limits to protect public welfare, including visibility impairment and damage to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings. Related to: Air Quality Dashboard. 

Cleft Lip: A congenital condition in which the upper lip does not fully form during pregnancy, resulting in an opening or split that may affect feeding, speech, and facial development. Related to: Women’s Health and Birth Trends Dashboard.

Cleft Palate: A congenital condition where the roof of the mouth does not fully close during fetal development, potentially affecting feeding, speech, hearing, and dental development. Related to: Women’s Health and Birth Trends Dashboard.

CO (Carbon Monoxide) Detector: A device that measures carbon monoxide gas in indoor air spaces and sounds an alarm when levels become unsafe. Related to: Unintentional Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Dashboard.

CO (Carbon Monoxide) Poisoning: A potentially life-threatening condition caused by inhaling carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete combustion from sources such as generators, vehicles, furnaces, grills, or fires. Carbon monoxide reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, which can lead to symptoms including headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, loss of consciousness, and death. Public health surveillance commonly classifies CO poisoning cases as fire-related, non-fire-related, or unknown source exposure. Related to: Unintentional Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Dashboard.

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Medical tests such as colonoscopy, fecal occult blood test, or FIT‑DNA are used to detect markers of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that most people begin screening at age 45 and continue at regular intervals. Individuals with certain risk factors, including inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome, may need to start screening earlier or be tested more frequently. Related to: Cancer Dashboard.

Community Water System (CWS): A Public Water System (PWS) that supplies drinking water year-round to the same population, such as residents of cities, towns, or mobile home parks. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

Crude Rate: A measure calculated by dividing the total number of events (e.g., cases, deaths) during a time period by the mid-period population at risk, typically expressed per 1,000 or 100,000 individuals, without adjustment for confounding variables like age.

D

Daily Fruit and Vegetable Consumption: A dietary quality indicator reflecting the daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Insufficient consumption is linked to increased chronic disease risk, assessed through surveys like BRFSS as a public health metric. The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise incorporating more fruits and vegetables into U.S. residents’ diets as part of healthy dietary patterns. Adults should consume 1.5-2 cup-equivalents of fruits and 2-3 cups of vegetables daily. Related to: Cancer Dashboard and Heart Attack and Stroke Dashboard.

Dashboard: An interactive data tool within the SC Tracking webpages that provides access to standardized environmental and health data at the state and local level. Each dashboard presents key indicators through maps, charts, tables, and summaries that help users explore trends, compare geographic areas, and understand potential connections between environmental hazards and health outcomes. Dashboards are updated regularly to reflect the most current data, methodologies, and public health priorities and are available in both English and Spanish. 

Data Dash: An initiative by SC Tracking that engages public health college and university students through a statewide competitive challenge, encouraging them to use data from the SC Tracking Dashboards to highlight health conditions and interventions through visually compelling infographics.

Data Log: A record of data entries, updates, and changes typically used for tracking revisions or system activity. SC Tracking uses a data log to document all updates and revisions made to the website’s data and content. The log includes information on annual updates (such as new data years, measures, or portal topics), corrected data discrepancies (errata), newly added data, updates to data rules issued by governing agencies, and additions of new displays, including dashboards and infographics.

Data Walk: A collaborative community‑engagement activity used by SC Tracking to present and discuss local health and environmental data in a clear, accessible format. Data walks are conducted with community coalitions and cross‑sector partners to review selected health indicators, which are analyzed through a health equity lens and often stratified by demographic subgroups. The process provides communities with a tailored, unbiased snapshot of their health status and supports community health improvement planning by helping identify priority health issues. To demonstrate how we conduct data walks in the community we created a ‘Virtual Data Walk’ which is a simulated digital environment instead of physical posters.

Demographics: Statistical characteristics of populations such as age, sex, race, ethnicity, income, education, and geographic location used to describe and analyze population groups in public health and surveillance.

Dental Visit: A visit to a dentist or dental professional for preventive or treatment services. Routine dental visits are recommended for people aged 1 year and over and are associated with fewer treatments for oral and craniofacial diseases and conditions and lower costs for dental care. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

Di (2-Ethylhexy) Phthalate (DEHP): An organic chemical produced as a discharge from rubber and chemical facilities. Long-term exposure could lead to an increased risk of cancer, reproductive or liver problems. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

Disaster Blaster - A Disaster Preparedness Game: An educational emergency preparedness activity developed by the SC Tracking program to teach individuals and families about disaster readiness, recommended emergency supplies, evacuation planning, and hazard awareness through interactive gameplay. Play here: Disaster Blaster. 

Disinfecting Water: Process of adding safe levels of chemical disinfectants, most commonly chlorine or monochloramine, to public drinking water to kill harmful germs and protect people from waterborne diseases. Chlorine is a long‑established disinfectant that effectively eliminates pathogens but can leave a noticeable taste or odor, while monochloramine, a combination of chlorine and ammonia, lasts longer in distribution systems and creates fewer disinfection byproducts. Both disinfectants are regulated to ensure concentration remains safe for drinking water, and although they may react with organic material to form byproducts, these levels are monitored to meet federal safety standards. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard. 

Drought: A period of unusually dry weather that persists long enough can cause serious problems such as crop damage and/or water supply shortages. The initial effects of a drought may be difficult to identify right away; it may take weeks or months to determine if a drought has started. The end of a drought is hard to identify for the same reason. A drought may last for weeks, months, or even years. Related to: County Profiles Dashboard.

E

Early Neonatal Period: The early neonatal period refers to the first week of life after birth - specifically, from birth up to 6 complete days of age. It is a critical window when infants face the highest risk of mortality and complications, demanding vigilant care and monitoring. In epidemiological and statistical reporting, this period is distinct from the late neonatal period (ages 7-27 days) and is central to understanding newborn health outcomes. Related to: Women’s Health and Birth Trends Dashboard.

Emergency Department Visits (ED Visits): Encounters in a hospital emergency department for evaluation or treatment of acute illness, injury, poisoning, mental health condition, or other urgent medical concern. Emergency department visit data are commonly used in syndromic surveillance and public health monitoring to identify disease trends, environmental exposures, disasters, outbreaks, and healthcare utilization patterns in near real time.

Environmental Hazards: Physical, chemical, or biological agents in the environment that may negatively affect human health. Examples include air pollution, contaminated water, extreme heat, toxic chemicals, radiation, and natural disasters.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): An independent U.S. federal agency tasked with developing and enforcing regulations to protect human health and the environment, including air and water quality, waste management, and chemical safety.

EPA's Action Level for Radon: Indoor radon concentration at which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that homeowners take steps to reduce radon levels. The EPA advises fixing a home when radon levels reach 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. Since no level of radon exposure is considered completely safe, the EPA also encourages homeowners to consider mitigation when levels fall between 2 and 4 pCi/L. The national average indoor radon level is about 1.3 pCi/L, while outdoor levels average around 0.4 pCi/L, which is about one‑tenth of the EPA’s action level. Related to: County Profiles Dashboard.

Erratum: A formal correction issued for previously published information, reports, or datasets to address errors, omissions, or inaccuracies identified after publication.

Ethnicity: A cultural or ancestral identity shared by a group of people, such as Hispanic or Latino origin.

Extreme Heat: A period of temperatures that are significantly hotter and often more humid than what is normal for a specific location. Extreme heat can be defined by how unusually high the temperature and humidity are compared to typical local conditions. It can also be defined by reaching specific thresholds, such as days when temperatures meet or exceed 90°F. As climate change raises average temperatures, extreme heat events including extremely hot days, heat waves, and warm nights, are expected to become more frequent, longer lasting, and more severe across the United States. Related to: Heat Related Illness Dashboard.

F

Feeding America: A nationwide network of food banks that provides hunger relief services and distributes food to communities. Related to: Food Insecurity in SC: A Data Story.

Fluoride Concentration: The measured amount of fluoride present in drinking water, typically reported in milligrams per liter (mg/L), used to monitor dental health benefits and potential overexposure risks. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

Fluoridation Status: Indicates whether a community water system adjusts fluoride levels to the recommended concentration for dental health. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

Food Access: The ability of individuals or communities to obtain nutritious food easily and affordably. Related to: Food Insecurity in SC: A Data Story.

Food Access Map: A visual tool showing areas where residents may have limited access to healthy food options. Related to: Food Insecurity in SC: A Data Story.

Food Availability: Indicates whether foods, particularly nutritious options, are physically present in stores within a community. Related to: Food Insecurity in SC: A Data Story.

Food Bank: A nonprofit organization that distributes donated or purchased food to community agencies or directly to individuals. Related to: Food Insecurity in SC: A Data Story.

Food Deserts: Areas where residents have limited access to affordable, nutritious food due to lack of nearby grocery stores. The USDA defines food deserts as census tracts that meet low-income (a poverty rate of 20% or greater, or a median family income at or below 80% of the statewide median family income) and low-access (at least 500 persons and/or at least 33% of the population lives more than one mile from supermarket or large grocery store) thresholds. Related to: Food Insecurity in SC: A Data Story.

Food Mirages: Areas where healthy food is technically available but too expensive for many residents to afford. Related to: Food Insecurity in SC: A Data Story.

Food Swamps: Areas where unhealthy food options (fast food, convenience stores) outnumber healthy choices. Related to: Food Insecurity in SC: A Data Story.

Food Utilization: How individuals use available food, including preparation, storage, and dietary knowledge. Related to: Food Insecurity in SC: A Data Story.

Frequency: In epidemiology, this refers to how often an event occurs, commonly quantified in terms of incidence (new cases) or prevalence (total cases) within a specified population and time.

G

Gastroschisis: A birth defect in which an infant’s intestines protrude outside the body through an opening beside the belly button due to incomplete abdominal wall development during pregnancy. Related to: Women’s Health and Birth Trends Dashboard.

Groundwater: Water found underground between the spaces of soil particles and rocks. Water systems that use groundwater as their water source depend on wells to supply this drinking water. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

H

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5): A group of organic chemical byproducts that form when chlorine is used as a disinfectant for drinking water. HAA5 refers to a group of the five most commonly found haloacetic acids in drinking water and includes dichloroacetic acid (DCA), trichloracetic acid (TCA), dibromoacetic acid (DBA), monobromoacetic acid (MBA), and monochloroacetic acid (MCA). Long-term exposure could lead to an increased risk of cancer, although the proven benefits of drinking water disinfection far outweigh these risks. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

Heart Attack or Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI): Occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing the heart not to receive enough blood. The more time that passes without treatment to restore blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart. Related to: Heart Attack and Stroke Dashboard.

Heat Index: A composite metric that integrates ambient temperature and relative humidity to estimate the “apparent temperature,” reflecting the diminished efficiency of evaporative cooling at high humidity. Used to assess physiologic heat stress risk. Related to: Heat Related Illness Dashboard.

Heat‑Related Illness: A spectrum of clinical conditions, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, arising from the body’s inability to dissipate heat, often exacerbated by dehydration, prolonged exertion, and cardiovascular compromise. Related to: Heat Related Illness Dashboard.

Hospitalizations: Admissions to acute-care hospitals, counted as unique inpatient events for specified diagnoses or procedures during a given period. Used in health surveillance to assess disease burden and healthcare utilization.

Household Income: A socioeconomic indicator measuring the combined earnings of all household members, frequently used in public‑health analyses due to its strong association with health disparities and environmental vulnerability.

Housing Unit: A residential dwelling, owner‑ or renter‑occupied, classified based on tenure status, indicating socioeconomic and demographic patterns relevant to environmental exposure vulnerability and community‑level risk assessment.

Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour that forms over warm ocean waters and can cause flooding, storm surge, high winds, and widespread public health impacts. Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30, although hurricanes can, and have, occurred outside of this time frame. NOAA's National Hurricane Center predicts and tracks these massive storm systems, which occur, on average, 12 times a year in the Atlantic basin.

Hypertension: A chronic medical condition characterized by persistently elevated blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other cardiovascular complications. Related to: Heart Attack and Stroke Dashboard.

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: A rare congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is underdeveloped, limiting the heart’s ability to pump oxygen-rich blood to the body. Related to: Women's Health and Birth Trends Dashboard.

Hypospadias: A congenital condition in males where the opening of the urethra develops on the underside of the penis instead of at the tip. Related to: Women's Health and Birth Trends Dashboard.

I

Incidence: The number of new cases of a disease or health event occurring during a defined period among a population at risk, often expressed as a rate per person-time or population unit. Incidence is important as it allows researchers to calculate risk, identify outbreaks, and evaluate prevention strategies.

Infant Mortality: Death of a liveborn infant before reaching one year of age, serving as a comprehensive population health indicator reflecting maternal health, access to care, socioeconomic conditions, and environmental exposures. Related to: Women's Health and Birth Trends Dashboard.

Infographic: A visual representation of data or information designed to communicate complex public health concepts, statistics, or trends in a clear and engaging format. SC Tracking has developed infographics on different health topics. 

In-Situ Cancer: An early-stage cancer in which abnormal cells are present but remain confined to the tissue of origin without invading nearby tissues. Often considered non-invasive or pre-invasive cancer. Related to: Cancer Dashboard.

Insurance Type: Includes All Payers, Commercial/HMO, Medicaid, Medicare, and Self-Pay/Indigent. Classification of individuals based on their primary health coverage status (e.g., private, Medicare, Medicaid, uninsured) is often determined for analyses. This variable is used in public health to analyze disparities in access to care and outcomes.

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K

L

Leukemia: A broad group of cancer types caused by blood cells. The type of leukemia developed is classified by the type of blood cell that develops into cancer and the pace at which the cancer grows. Some forms of leukemia commonly occur in children, while others mostly occur in adults. Related to: Cancer Dashboard.

More Info: Mayo Clinic - Leukemia

Life Expectancy at Birth: A statistical measure representing the average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on age‑specific mortality rates of a given year; frequently used as a proxy for overall community health and social determinants. Related to: Life Expectancy Dashboard.

Low Birthweight: A baby born with a birthweight of less than 2,500 g. These outcomes are influenced by maternal health, environmental exposures, healthcare access, nutrition, and socioeconomic conditions. Related to: Women’s Health and Birth Trends Dashboard

Lyme Disease: An infectious disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted primarily through bites from infected black‑legged ticks, and characterized by multisystem manifestations including erythema migrans, an expanding, often circular red rash, neurologic deficits, and arthritis. Lyme disease cases are categorized into confirmed, probable, or suspected categories, based on clinical presentation, laboratory testing, and epidemiological exposure. Related to: Lyme Disease Dashboard.

M

Mammogram: A low-dose radiographic imaging technique used to screen for and detect breast cancer by producing detailed X-ray images of breast tissue. Mammograms can identify abnormalities such as masses, asymmetries, and microcalcifications that may indicate early-stage breast cancer before symptoms are present. Mammography is commonly used as a preventive screening tool among women at recommended ages or elevated risk and may also be used diagnostically to evaluate breast symptoms or abnormal clinical findings. Early detection through mammography can improve treatment options and reduce breast cancer mortality. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women get screened every other year for breast cancer from age 40-74. Related to: Cancer Dashboard.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest concentration of a contaminant legally allowed in drinking water supplied by public water systems under the Safe Drinking Water Act. MCLs are established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect human health and are typically expressed in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or micrograms per liter (µg/L). These regulatory limits are based on potential health effects, analytical detection capability, treatment feasibility, and cost considerations. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

Median Household Income: The midpoint value of household incomes in a population, more robust than mean income because it is less affected by extreme values and better reflects socioeconomic distribution. Related to: County Profiles Dashboard.

Medicaid: A joint federal and state health insurance program that provides healthcare coverage for eligible low-income individuals and families, including children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities. The program covers a wide range of healthcare services, including hospital care, physician visits, preventive services, long-term care, and maternal and child health services. Medicaid data are frequently used in public health research and surveillance to evaluate healthcare access, utilization, disparities, and health outcomes among underserved populations.

Medicare: A federal health insurance program in the United States primarily serving adults aged 65 years and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or end-stage renal disease. Medicare data are commonly used in public health surveillance and health services research to assess healthcare utilization, chronic disease burden, treatment patterns, and health outcomes among older adults and vulnerable populations. 

Metadata: Data that describe the characteristics, source, structure, content, quality, and/or context of another dataset, helping users interpret and manage information appropriately.

Mortality: The occurrence of death within a population, often quantified as a rate per a standard number of individuals over a time interval. Mortality data help evaluate disease burden and public health interventions.

Multiple Chronic Conditions: Includes residents who report having two or more of the following chronic conditions: asthma, coronary heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, COPD, depression, stroke, heart attack, and hypertension. This metric is collected by the South Carolina Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (SC BRFSS). Related to: County Profiles Dashboard.

N

Neonatal Period: The period immediately following birth through the first 27 complete days of life (0-27 days). This stage is commonly divided into the early neonatal period (0-6 days) and the late neonatal period (7-27 days). The neonatal period represents one of the most vulnerable phases of human life, during which mortality and morbidity are strongly associated with prematurity, low birth weight, congenital anomalies, birth complications, infections, and access to neonatal care. Neonatal health indicators are widely used in maternal and child health surveillance and population health assessment. Related to: Women's Health and Birth Trends Dashboard

Nitrate: An inorganic chemical compound commonly found in the environment and frequently introduced into groundwater and surface water through fertilizer runoff, leaking septic systems, sewage discharge, animal waste, and erosion of natural deposits. Elevated nitrate levels in drinking water can reduce the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, particularly in infants, potentially causing methemoglobinemia, also known as “blue baby syndrome”. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

O

Obesity: A chronic and complex health condition characterized by excess body fat that may negatively affect overall health and increase the risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, certain cancers, sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis. In adults, obesity is commonly defined using body mass index (BMI), with a BMI of 30.0 or higher. Obesity results from a combination of behavioral, environmental, genetic, metabolic, and social factors and is an important public health indicator used in chronic disease surveillance and prevention efforts.

Ozone (O3): A gas composed of three oxygen atoms used as a key indicator of air quality. Stratospheric ozone protects life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation, while ground-level ozone forms when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in sunlight. Ground-level ozone exposure can worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions. Related to: Air Quality Dashboard.

Outdoor Occupation: Employment categories (e.g., construction, agriculture) requiring sustained outdoor exposure, thereby increasing susceptibility to environmental hazards such as extreme heat, ultraviolet radiation, vector‑borne diseases, and air pollutants. Related to: Heat Related Illness Dashboard.

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Pap Test (Pap Smear): A screening procedure used to detect abnormal or precancerous cells in the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. During the test, healthcare providers collect cells from the cervix for microscopic examination. Pap tests can identify cellular changes caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), infections, inflammation, or early cervical cancer before symptoms develop. Regular cervical cancer screening through Pap testing plays an important role in early detection, prevention, and reduction of cervical cancer mortality. Pap tests may be performed alone or in combination with HPV testing depending on age and screening guidelines. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends women aged 21-65 be tested for cervical cancer every three years. Related to: Cancer Dashboard.

Percentile: A statistical measure indicating the value below which a specified percentage of observations in a dataset falls. For example, the 25th percentile represents the value below which 25% of the observations are found. Percentiles are commonly used in epidemiology, surveillance, growth charts, environmental exposure assessment, and population health analysis to compare individual or geographic values relative to a larger distribution. Higher percentiles indicate relatively greater values within the dataset.

Perinatal: Relating to the period shortly before, during, and immediately after birth. In public health and maternal-child health surveillance, the perinatal period is commonly defined as beginning during late pregnancy, typically around 20-28 weeks of gestation and extending through the first 7-28 days after birth, depending on the reporting or surveillance definition used. The perinatal period is a critical window for monitoring maternal health, fetal development, birth outcomes, neonatal survival, and complications related to pregnancy, labor, delivery, and early newborn care. Related to: Women's Health and Birth Trends Dashboard

PM2.5: Fine inhalable particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream and are associated with respiratory and cardiovascular health effects. Sources include vehicle emissions, industrial processes, wildfires, and combustion activities. Related to: Air Quality Dashboard.

Post-neonatal: The stage of infancy occurring after the neonatal period, beginning at 28 completed days after birth and continuing through 364 days of life (under one year of age). Mortality and health outcomes during the post-neonatal period are more strongly influenced by environmental conditions, infections, injuries, nutrition, congenital conditions, sleep-related causes, healthcare access, and social determinants of health. Post-neonatal mortality is commonly monitored as an important indicator of infant health and community well-being. Related to: Women's Health and Birth Trends Dashboard.

Physical Inactivity: Not achieving the recommended levels of physical activity needed to support health and prevent disease. Physical inactivity is associated with increased risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, depression, and premature mortality. In public health surveillance, physical inactivity is commonly measured through population surveys that assess participation in moderate or vigorous physical activity during work, transportation, household activities, or leisure time. Related to: Cancer Dashboard.

Poverty Level: A federally defined income threshold used to determine whether an individual or household has sufficient financial resources to meet basic living needs such as food, housing, and healthcare. Poverty levels are determined based on household income, family size, and composition and are commonly used in public health and social policy to assess socioeconomic disadvantages, eligibility for assistance programs, and health disparities. Poverty is strongly associated with increased risk of chronic disease, food insecurity, limited healthcare access, and adverse health outcomes. Related to: County Profiles Dashboard and Childhood Lead Dashboard.

Preterm Birth: Delivery occurring before 37 completed weeks of gestation, a major risk factor for neonatal morbidity and mortality and associated with maternal health, environmental exposures, and socioeconomic conditions. Related to: Women's Health and Birth Trends Dashboard.

Prevalence: The proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or characteristic at a given time (point prevalence) or over a defined period (period prevalence). 

Prevention: Actions or interventions designed to reduce the occurrence, severity, or impact of disease, injury, or adverse health conditions. Public health prevention strategies are commonly categorized as primary, secondary, or tertiary prevention.

Primary Diagnosis: The principal condition chiefly responsible for a patient’s admission, clinical encounter, or health event, typically used in hospital discharge datasets and epidemiologic surveillance.

Prostate-Specific Antigen Test (PSA Test): A laboratory assay measuring serum PSA levels as a biomarker for prostate cancer screening and monitoring; thorough interpretation must consider age, prostate size, and non‑malignant causes of elevation. Related to: Cancer Dashboard.

Public Water Systems (PWS): A water system that provides drinking water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances to at least 15 service connections or regularly serves at least 25 people for a minimum of 60 days per year. Public water systems are regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act and are monitored for contaminants, treatment standards, and water quality compliance to protect public health. Public water systems may be classified as Community Water Systems (CWS), Non-Transient Non-Community Water Systems (NTNCWS), or Transient Non-Community Water Systems (TNCWS). Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

Pulmonary rehabilitation: A supervised program combining exercise training, education, breathing techniques, and support services to improve quality of life and physical functioning in individuals with chronic lung diseases such as COPD. Related to: COPD Dashboard.

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Quartiles: A set of descriptive statistics that are a type of percentile. A percentile is a value with a certain percentage of the data falling below it. For example, 25% of the data falls below the 25th percentile. The first quartile (Q1) contains observations at or below the 25th percentile, the second quartile (Q2) contains observations above the 25th percentile and up to the 50th percentile, the third quartile (Q3) contains observations above the 50th percentile and up to the 75th percentile, and the fourth quartile (Q4) contains observations above the 75th percentile and up to the 100th percentile. By splitting the data at the 25th, 50th, 75th percentiles, the quartiles divide the data into four equal parts.

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Race: A demographic and sociopolitical classification used in public health, census, and surveillance systems to group populations based on shared social, historical, or physical characteristics. Although race is not a biological determinant of health, it has been strongly associated with differences in health outcomes due to structural inequities, discrimination, environmental exposures, healthcare access, and social determinants of health.

Radium or Combined Radium (Ra-226 and -228): A radionuclide chemical produced by the erosion of natural deposits. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates radionuclides in drinking water to protect public health. Radionuclides in water at amounts greater than the drinking water standards may cause health problems. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

Radon: A naturally occurring radioactive gas that cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. Radon forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and can enter buildings through cracks or openings in foundations. Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels increases the risk of lung cancer. Related to: County Profiles Dashboard.

Rate: A statistical measure used to describe how frequently a health event, condition, or outcome occurs within a defined population during a specified time period. Rates are calculated by dividing the number of events (numerator) by the population at risk (denominator) and are often expressed per 1,000, 10,000, or 100,000 individuals. Public health commonly uses crude rates, age-specific rates, and age-adjusted rates to compare disease burden, mortality, healthcare utilization, and other health indicators across populations or over time.

Reproductive Health: An interdisciplinary domain encompassing fertility, maternal health, sexually transmitted infections, contraception, and environmental exposures that influence reproductive outcomes. Related to: Women’s Health and Birth Trends Dashboard.

Rolling average: A statistical method that continuously recalculates averages over a specified time window to smooth short-term fluctuations and highlight longer-term trends in surveillance or time-series data. This method is often used during circumstances when data is limited, such as for small sample sizes and when geographic areas have limited observations, to produce more stable estimates and facilitate trend analysis. For example, a 5-year rolling average calculates the average value for each year using data from that year and the preceding four years, then moves forward one year at a time.

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Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA): The primary federal law established to ensure quality drinking water from public water systems. The act was initially passed in 1974 and last amended in 1996. The SDWA sets maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) or treatment techniques for over 90 contaminants. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

Screening tests: The systematic application of diagnostic tests or procedures to asymptomatic populations to detect disease at an early, more treatable stage.

Sex: A biological classification (typically male or female) based on genetic, anatomical, and physiological characteristics; often used as a demographic variable in epidemiologic surveillance.

Smoking Status (Current, Former, Never): A measure of cigarette smoking behavior based on definitions used by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Smoking status is determined from respondents' answers to questions about lifetime cigarette use and current smoking behavior. Current smokers are individuals who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and currently smoke every day or some days. Former smokers are individuals who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime but do not currently smoke. Never smokers are individuals who have not smoked 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. Related to: Cancer Dashboard and Heart Attack and Stroke Dashboard.

South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office (RFA): A South Carolina state agency responsible for demographic analysis, economic statistics, healthcare data management, and fiscal forecasting to support state planning, policy, and research activities. RFA collects healthcare data from all civilian hospitals in the state, including emergency department reports, outpatient surgery reports and inpatient reports.

Stroke: Occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts in the brain. As a result, parts of the brain become damaged or die, potentially causing long-term brain damage, disability, or death. Related to: Heart Attack and Stroke Dashboard.

SNAP Benefit: Nutritional assistance provided through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal program that helps eligible low-income individuals and families purchase food. Related to: Food Insecurity in SC: A Data Story.

Spina Bifida: A neural tube defect occurring when the spinal column does not close completely during fetal development, potentially causing physical and neurological disabilities. Related to: Women’s Health and Birth Trends Dashboard.

Suppressed (Data): An analytic technique applied to small or sensitive data cells to prevent disclosure of personally identifiable information. Suppression is required when counts are low enough that individual identity could be deduced. 

Surface Water: Bodies of water such as rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs. Water systems that use surface water depend on these bodies of water for supplying drinking water. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

Survival (Cancer Survival): A measure describing the proportion of individuals who remain alive for a specified period after being diagnosed with cancer, commonly reported as 1-year, 5-year, or 10-year survival. Cancer survival statistics are used to evaluate disease prognosis, effectiveness of screening and treatment, and overall cancer burden within populations. Survival estimates may vary by cancer type, stage at diagnosis, age, treatment access, and other demographic or clinical factors. Related to: Cancer Dashboard.

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Tetrachloroethylene (PCE): Organic chemical produced by discharge from factories and dry cleaners. Long-term exposure could lead to liver problems or an increased risk of cancer. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

Tetralogy of Fallot: A congenital heart defect consisting of four related structural abnormalities of the heart that reduce oxygen delivery to the body and may cause cyanosis and developmental complications. Related to: Women’s Health and Birth Trends Dashboard.

Tick Bites: Bites from ticks, which are small blood-feeding arthropods capable of transmitting bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause human disease. Tick bites may result in localized skin irritation and can lead to vector-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. Preventive measures include avoiding tick habitats, using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and performing tick checks after outdoor activities. Related to: Lyme Disease Dashboard.

Tool Tip: A brief informational message that appears when a user hovers over or selects an icon, chart element, or interface component in a dashboard.

Tooth Decay (Dental Caries): A progressive demineralization of enamel and dentin caused by acidic metabolic byproducts of oral bacteria, influenced by fluoride exposure, diet, oral hygiene, and socioeconomic factors. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

Tornado: A rapidly rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground that can produce severe wind damage, injuries, and fatalities.

Total Fertility Rate: The average number of children a woman would be expected to have during her reproductive years (ages 15-44) based on age-specific fertility rates for a given population and time period. Related to: Women’s Health and Birth Trends Dashboard.

Total Trihalomethane (TTHM): The combined concentration of four regulated trihalomethane disinfection byproducts - chloroform, bromodichloromethane, chlorodibromomethane, and bromoform - formed when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in water. Long-term exposure above regulatory limits may increase cancer risk. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

Trichloroethylene (TCE): A chlorinated industrial solvent used primarily for metal degreasing and manufacturing processes. Long-term exposure may increase the risk of cancer and may affect the liver, kidneys, immune system, and nervous system. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome): A genetic condition, also known as Down syndrome, caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21 and associated with characteristic physical features, developmental delays, and certain medical conditions. Related to: Women’s Health and Birth Trends Dashboard.

Trendline: A statistical representation of central tendency within time‑series data, often generated using linear regression or smoothing algorithms to visualize long‑term patterns.

U

Uranium or Combined Uranium: Combined Uranium refers to the total mass concentration of all uranium isotopes (U-234, U-235, and U-238) in drinking water, regulated by the EPA at a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 30 µg/L. Long-term exposure could lead to an increased risk of cancer or kidney toxicity. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

Uninsured: Individuals who do not have health insurance coverage through private insurance, employer-sponsored plans, Medicaid, Medicare, military programs, or other public health insurance programs. Uninsured populations often face barriers to accessing preventive care, medical treatment, medications, and routine healthcare services, which can contribute to delayed diagnosis, poorer health outcomes, and increased health disparities. Insurance status is commonly used in public health surveillance and healthcare utilization analyses to assess access to care and population vulnerability.

Unintentional (CO Exposure Classification): Accidental poisoning caused by exposure to and inhalation of carbon monoxide gas not due to suicide or intentional self-harm. This form of accidental poisoning can be caused by improper use or production of fuel-burning appliances, generators, vehicles, furnaces, grills, or fires. See ‘Carbon Monoxide Poisoning’ definition for more details. Related to: Unintentional Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Dashboard.

Unknown Intent (CO Exposure Classification): A categorization for carbon monoxide poisoning cases in which investigators cannot determine whether exposure was deliberate, accidental, fire‑related, or non‑fire‑related. Related to: Unintentional Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Dashboard.

V

Vital Statistics (Vital Records): A governmental data system that captures births, deaths, fetal deaths, marriages, and divorces, often used for calculating key epidemiologic indicators such as mortality rates and fertility measures.

Vector: An organism, typically an insect or arthropod such as a mosquito or tick, that transmits infectious pathogens between humans or animals. Related to: Lyme Disease Dashboard.

Venous test: A test administered by healthcare providers to analyze blood circulating in the veins. To test a patient's blood lead levels, a small sample of blood is drawn from the patient's vein through a needle. The blood is then tested for lead. Related to: Childhood Lead Dashboard.

W

Warning Signs (Heart Attack & Stroke): A clinically standardized set of acute symptoms (e.g., chest pressure, unilateral weakness, difficulty speaking, arm/jaw pain) indicative of emergent cardiovascular or cerebrovascular compromise and requiring immediate medical intervention. Related to: Heart Attack and Stroke Dashboard.

Water Sample: A collected quantity of water obtained for laboratory analysis to evaluate physical, chemical, or biological characteristics related to drinking water quality or environmental contamination. Related to: Drinking Water Dashboard.

WIC Benefits: Nutritional assistance provided through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes through targeted food support and education. Related to: Food Insecurity in SC: A Data Story.

Wildfire: An uncontrolled fire occurring in natural areas such as forests, grasslands, or brushlands that may produce smoke, air pollution, injuries, and environmental damage.

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