Chapter 20: Environmental Issues and Real Estate Transaction

Question 1

asbestos

Answer 1

A fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a wide variety of building supplies prior to 1978; environmental health hazard, when friable, that can cause respiratory diseases and cancer

Question 2

carbon monoxide (CO)

Answer 2

A colorless, odorless, gas produced as a byproduct of inefficient burning of fuel such as gas, oil, or wood; poor ventilation can lead to a deadly concentration of gas

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Created in 1980 and enforced by the EPA. Established a fund of $9 billion, called the SUPERFUND, to clean up uncontrolled hazardous waste sites and to respond to spills.

Question 4

electromagnetic fields (EMFs)

Answer 4

Naturally occurring energy fields near power lines and electrical appliances thought to be linked with adverse health effect but research is inconclusive

Question 5

encapsulation

Answer 5

Sealing off environmental hazards instead of removal

Question 6

friable

Answer 6

A dry, crumbly condition often used to describe old asbestos

Question 7

groundwater

Answer 7

Water under the surface of the earth

Question 8

landfill

Answer 8

An enormous burial hole for various types of waste disposal

Question 9

Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act

Answer 9

A federal law that requires sellers/landlords to disclose the known presence of lead-based paint in residential property to potential buyers/tenants via a required disclosure addendum to sales contracts or leases; delivery of a mandatory EPA pamphlet about lead poisoning is also required. Buyer/tenant is allowed a 10-day assessment period

Question 10

lead poisoning

Answer 10

An elevated level of lead in the human body that can lead to serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells

Question 11

mitigation

Answer 11

Systems to limit the source of environmental hazards and reduce their effect on humans and the surrounding environment

Question 12

North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA)

Answer 12

State law designed to protect, preserve, and give management guidelines in coastal areas of the state.

Question 13

North Carolina Dredge and Fill Act

Answer 13

A law which states that a property owner must obtain a permit from the Coastal Resources Commission before participating in any dredging or filling that may affect vegetation or aquatic conditions in North Carolina waters or marshlands

Question 14

North Carolina Leaking Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Act

Answer 14

A law, covering both residential and commercial properties, made to regulate underground storage tanks’ discharge of any hazardous substance, including gas and oil

Question 15

North Carolina Sediment Pollution Control Act

Answer 15

Enacted to handle problems that occur as a result of sedimentation in state waters. Any type of development, construction, or any other activity that may disturb vegetation or topography in a way that may cause sedimentation is illegal and subject to the Act. Enforced by NC Department of Environment, Natural Resources

Question 16

radon

Answer 16

A colorless, odorless radioactive gas that naturally occurs in all areas of the state from the decay of radioactive minerals in the ground; EPA suggests that a reading of 4.0 picocuries or higher is cause for a mitigation system. Considered to be one of the leading causes of lung cancer

Question 17

target housing

Answer 17

According to the EPA, housing built before 1978, except housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities (unless any child who is less than 6 years of age resides or is expected to reside in such housing) or any zero-bedroom dwelling.

Question 18

underground storage tank (UST)

Answer 18

A tank and any underground piping connected to the tank that has at least 10% of its combined volume underground; federal UST regulations apply to only those storing either petroleum or certain hazardous substances

Question 19

urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI)

Answer 19

A 1970s foam insulation that released gases that can cause respiratory problems such as skin irritations or asthma attacks

Question 20

water table

Answer 20

Natural water level whether it is above or below ground level