Chapter 18 - Environmental Concerns

Question 1

Radon

Answer 1

A colorless, odorless gas that is emitted from soils, rocks and water as a result of radioactive decay in certain areas of the country.

Question 2

Why is radon harmful to humans?

Answer 2

it’s a public health issue because it affects your lungs when ingested or inhaled, causing lung cancer

Question 3

How does radon get into homes?

Answer 3

most commonly through soil or water- thru openings in the home, cracks and tiny holes in concrete, gaps in the foundation, and leaks in the area around pipes and wires

Question 4

What’s heavier - radon or air?

Answer 4

radon, which is why once it enters from the outside, it can collect in lower places of a house, like a basement or crawl space

Question 5

How are radon levels measured?

Answer 5

in picocuries per liter of air or water

Question 6

What is the average amount of radon present outdoors and indoors a house?

Answer 6

outdoors - 0.4, while indoor average is 1.3

Question 7

At what level of radon should action be taken?

Answer 7

4 picocuries of radon per liter of air or higher, but the EPA suggests considering it when levels are between 2-4 pCi/l

Question 8

How can radon levels be mitigated/fixed?

Answer 8

it’s one of the easiest environmental risks to correct - depending on the levels present, it can be as simple as sealing cracks and concrete or putting a plastic barrier over the ground to block the radon. In more serious situations, a system can be installed that will suction the radon from the ground under the house and funnel it to the outside air.`

Question 9

Asbestos

Answer 9

A naturally occurring mineral fiber sometimes found in older homes that is resistant to fire, water, chemicals and electricity. It was a pliable and cost-effective product that would insulate and strengthen a house’s foundation. Later on it was found that it is hazardous to health when a possibility exists of exposure to inhalable fibers. Homeowners should be alert for friable asbestos and always seek professional advice in dealing with it.
–Commonly found in popcorn ceilings

Question 10

Why is asbestos dangerous?

Answer 10

when microscopic asbestos fibers get into the body, often through the lungs, they cannot be expelled by normal functions. The body is not equipped to rid itself of this toxin. If fibers are swallowed, they can cause stomach problems and whatever way it enters the body, it cannot be removed.

Question 11

Asbestosis

Answer 11

A chronic non-cancer, lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

Question 12

Mesothelioma

Answer 12

aggressive, rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or the stomach.

Question 13

Friable vs non-friable

Answer 13

Friable - Easily crumbled or reduced to power. Asbestos is an example of a friable substance
Non-friable - in a whole state and is not usually dangerous until it’s cut, sawed or sanded, at which point it becomes the powder that can be a health hazard.

Question 14

How can asbestos be removed?

Answer 14

By a PROFESSIONAL contractor who is certified to do abatement work - special precautions need to be taken and the use of disposable, protective clothing, HEPA filters, and other containment precautions are recommended

Question 15

Lead

Answer 15

A naturally occurring element found in the earth which was widely used in pipes and paint of many older homes. We now know that lead is hazardous to health. The local environmental protection agency should be consulted for guidelines on handling, removal and applicable laws

Question 16

Why is lead hazardous?

Answer 16

When ingested, lead travels to the brain, bones, kidneys and other internal organs. Studies have shown that those exposed have IQ damage, learning disabilities, developmental delays, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, sluggishness, and increased behavioral problems

Question 17

Who is at the highest risk for lead poisoning?

Answer 17

Children ages 1-5 years old - consume soil that’s contaminated or inhale the dust since they put everything in their mouths
BUT also adults with jobs in auto repair, construction, manufacturing, refining, or lead smelting, home remodeling, and artists who work with pottery, stained glass or soldering.

Question 18

What can be done about lead-based paint in homes?

Answer 18

Renovation, repair, and painting (RRP) with a EPA RRP certified contractor or abatement

Question 19

Abatement

Answer 19

permanent removal of lead-based paint by EPA certified company

Question 20

Protect your Family from Lead in your Home pamphlet

Answer 20

disclosures describing how to identify and control lead-based paint hazards, which is given to the buyer by their real estate agent

Question 21

How long do buyers have to do a risk assessment or paint inspection?

Answer 21

10 days, unless they waive this.

Question 22

Mold

Answer 22

naturally occurring element that gets into houses through dust and floating in the air. Becomes a problems when it lands on a wet surface or are in a moist environment

Question 23

Why is mold an issue?

Answer 23

it can affect air quality and irritate the skin, nose, eyes, and lungs. It’s been linked to respiratory issues like asthma or allergies. Mold ruins everything it grows on, such as furniture and wood products.

Question 24

What can be done about mold?

Answer 24

1. Prevention - control moisture in your house
2. Removal - area should be dried, repaired or replaced and checked to be sure there will be no further moisture problems. Maintain indoor humidity at between 30-60% or less using proper ventilation, exhaust fans, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers

Question 25

Septic System

Answer 25

mini underground wastewater treatment systems - commonly used in rural areas and places that do not have a centralized system and municipal treatment plant.

Question 26

Septic Tank

Answer 26

Where excess liquids and solids are held that flowed from an underground pipe from the house. Tank is typically constructed from cement, fiberglass, or polyethylene and is buried away from the home.

Question 27

Drain Field

Answer 27

underground absorption field where wastewater from the septic tank flows into. The wastewater percolates into the soil as nature cleanses the water of harmful byproducts and disperses it. Homeowners are responsible for having sludge regularly pumped out of the septic tank to avoid solids making their way into the drain field.

Question 28

Residential Well

Answer 28

privately-owned hole in the ground from which water is drawn to the surface/extracted for use in residential homes typically in rural areas that may not have access to a municipal water supply

Question 29

Well tanks rely on ____ to start up and maintain adequate water pressure at all times. The water stored in the tank must be pressurized with compressed air to force it through a home’s plumbing system.

Answer 29

Well tanks rely on pumps to start up and maintain adequate water pressure at all times. The water stored in the tank must be pressurized with compressed air to force it through a home’s plumbing system.

Question 30

Landfill vs. Dump

Answer 30

Landfill - where trash and waste are buried, preventing contamination with the surrounding environment
Dump - pit or pile of garbage uncovered where animals and birds can pick at debris

Question 31

Brownfield

Answer 31

site that has or might have the presence of hazardous substance or contamination, having the potential to harm people or the environment. These sites are often abandoned, out-of-service or neglected commercial or industrial locations which become unsightly and filled with debris

Question 32

What is the goal for brownfields?

Answer 32

To clean them up and redevelop them for their highest and best use as new businesses, parks, or other productive sites.

Question 33

Comprehensive Environmental Response and Liability Act (CERCLA) or Superfund

Answer 33

federal program established in 1980 to clean up locations where pollutants were or could be hazardous. The law stipulated that owners, past and present, were responsible for the cleanup costs whether they had knowledge of the contamination or not.

Question 34

Underground Storage Tank (UST)

Answer 34

A tank and any underground piping connected to the tank that has at least 10 percent of its combined volume underground. Typically holds fuels, chemicals, or waste found at gas stations, auto repair shops, maintenance shops, tire and battery storage or recycling or similar businesses, or home that used to use oil for heat

Question 35

Under WI state law, almost all storage tanks must be registered, except for________

Answer 35

Under WI state law, almost all storage tanks must be registered, except for aboveground tanks that hold less than 5,000 gallons and portable tanks that have been on the property for fewer than 24 mo

Question 36

Under WI state law, almost all storage tanks must be registered with a permit, except for ____________

Answer 36

Under WI state law, almost all storage tanks must be registered with a permit, except for farms, storing heat oil, or residential UST with a capacity of less than 1,100 gallons

Question 37

If a property owner stops using their UST, they are legally required to _______________.

Answer 37

If a property owner stops using their UST, they are legally required to have the tank closed properly by a certified tank removal service. This professional will remove all the tank’s components or close the tank in place if removal is not feasible.

Question 38

100-year Floodplain

Answer 38

identified on maps provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as having a 1% (1-in-100) chance of a big flood occurring every year (annual exceedance probability - AEP)

Question 39

What agency provides insurance for properties in flood zones that aren’t eligible for private flood insurance?

Answer 39

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) - provides insurance that’s purchased through an insurer participating in the program

Question 40

Elevation Certificate

Answer 40

certificate required for insurance coverage confirming that the property is at least 3 ft above the base food plain elevation

Question 41

Flood Insurance

Answer 41

insurance coverage for a portion of the direct losses that happen to buildings or their contents (i.e., foundation walls, built-in appliances, permanent carpeting, permanent cabinets, bookcases, electrical and plumping, etc.) in a flood.

Question 42

If a house is located in a 100-year flood zone, it has a ___% chance of flooding at some point during a typical 30 year mortgage period

Answer 42

If a house is located in a 100-year flood zone, it has a 26% chance of flooding at some point during a typical 30 year mortgage period; if the home is close enough to be in a 25-year floodplain, chances jump to 71% that the house will be flooded during the mortgage period of 30 years.

Question 43

Why do floodplains matter and need to be identified?

Answer 43

to protect human life and property, preventing victimization and relief efforts

Question 44

Flood Fringe Area

Answer 44

part of the floodplain where water just sits

Question 45

Floodway area

Answer 45

part of the floodplain where water flows through

Question 46

Wetland

Answer 46

landscape on which the water stays long enough to support aquatic life and vegetation. The DNR created maps identifying wetlands that are 5 acres or larger, otherwise the DNR can come and perform wetland identification services (soil surveys, aerial photos, and existing surveys)

Question 47

What are the benefits of wetlands?

Answer 47

These areas are environmentally significant for a number of reasons (i.e., storing floodwaters, purifying water, and providing a habitat for wildlife) and as a result, landowners may face strict rules against development or concerning conservation.

Question 48

Farmland

Answer 48

any land devoted to agricultural use, but also includes any residence and other buildings on the farm

Question 49

Farmland Preservation Agreements

Answer 49

can happen automatically if the land is in a certain zone, but they can also occur because the owner signed a preservation agreement - lasts for at least 15 years - recorded with the county and contain very strict provisions as to how the property can be used

Question 50

What is the penalty for terminating a farmland preservation agreement early?

Answer 50

payment of a penalty up to 3x the per-acre value of the land

Question 51

What is a financial benefit to buying farmland?

Answer 51

income tax credit of $5-10 per acre on their taxes and a lower property tax rate overall
–prorated at closing

Question 52

Use-value

Answer 52

potential income that could be earned - i.e., property tax of farmland is based on use-value of the land, not the FMV

Question 53

Real Estate Condition Report

Answer 53

statement of what the seller knows (don’t guess!) about their property on the market; can attach 3rd party reports

• -not a warranty, guarantee, or conclusion of the property’s condition
• -required to fill this out if you’re selling a 1-4 unit dwelling
• -real estate licensee is not legally permitted to help client complete this form

Question 54

Defect

Answer 54

any condition that may have an adverse impact on the value of the property or condition that may impact the health or safety of the property’s occupants

Question 55

When someone is selling a WI residential property, they must provide a ________ to the buyer within ___ days of accepting an offer, but the seller can also provide this report before the prospective buyer even makes an offer.

Answer 55

When someone is selling a WI residential property, they must provide a real estate condition report to the buyer within 10 days of accepting an offer, but the seller can also provide this report before the prospective buyer even makes an offer.

Question 56

When someone is selling vacant land in WI, they must provide a ________ to the buyer within ___ days of accepting an offer, but the seller can also provide this report before the prospective buyer even makes an offer.

Answer 56

When someone is selling vacant land in WI, they must provide a vacant land disclosure report to the buyer within 10 days of accepting an offer, but the seller can also provide this report before the prospective buyer even makes an offer.

Question 57

Can real estate licensees help fill out seller condition reports?

Answer 57

NO - you cannot provide advice or opinions to the seller about these forms