Chapter 21 Flashcards
Individuals have suffered all of these health problems due to exposure to formaldehyde EXCEPT
a. asthma.
b. eye irritations.
c. mold infections.
d. a burning sensation in the throat.
c. mold infections.
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c. Although formaldehyde has been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause it in humans, it is primarily responsible for triggering respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and asthma, as well as eye and skin irritations.
Lead is commonly found in all of these EXCEPT
a. soldered water pipes.
b. alkyd oil-based paint.
c. soil around industrial sites.
d. insulating material.
d. insulating material.
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d. Asbestos, not lead, was formerly used for insulating material.
A seller accepts an offer on a home that was built in 1892. Which of these statements about lead-based paint is FALSE?
a. The seller must attach a lead-based paint disclosure statement to the sales contract.
b. If the seller is aware of any lead-based paint on the premises, the seller must disclose that fact to the buyer.
c. If the buyer requests a lead-based paint inspection, the seller has ten days in which to obtain one at the seller’s expense.
d. The buyer is entitled to receive a pamphlet that describes the hazards posed by lead-based paint.
c. If the buyer requests a lead-based paint inspection, the seller has ten days in which to obtain one at the seller’s expense.
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No one is required to test for lead, but federal law gives the prospective buyer 10 days (or any time agreed to, or the buyer may waive the right) to have the home tested for lead at the buyer’s expense.
Where in the United States does radon occur?
a. Mostly in the western states
b. Mostly in the warm southern and southwestern regions
c. In every state in the United States
d. Only in large urban areas
c. In every state in the United States
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Radon has been found in every state, although it’s more likely to be found in some states than in others. The only way to know for sure if it is present is to have the building tested.
Which of these has been proven to pose a health hazard?
a. Asbestos
b. Lead-based paint
c. Radon
d. All of these
d. All of these
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Asbestos, lead-based paint, and radon have all been proven to cause adverse health effects in humans.
H stores toxic chemical waste in a large steel tank that has only 15% of its volume underground. J lives in the wilderness and owns a gas pump connected to a 1,500-gallon tank of gasoline buried ten feet underground near the garage. L keeps three large tanks filled with formaldehyde and battery acid in the basement. Which of these people are covered by federal regulations regarding USTs?
a. H and L
b. H and J only
c. L only
d. J only
b. H and J only
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Because H’s tank is more than 10% underground, this storage of toxic chemical waste is covered by the law. J’s tank is completely underground, so it is covered. Because L’s tanks are in a basement, rather than underground, it is not covered.
Which of these is responsible for administering the Superfund?
a. EPA
b. PRP
c. CERCLA
d. HUD
a. EPA
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The Superfund is administered by the EPA. CERCLA is the law that established the Superfund.
Which of these would disqualify someone from claiming innocent landowner immunity under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)?
a. The pollution was caused by a third party.
b. A landowner exercised due care when the property was purchased.
c. A landowner had only constructive knowledge of the damage.
d. A landowner took reasonable precautions in the exercise of ownership rights.
c. A landowner had only constructive knowledge of the damage.
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Landowners cannot claim innocent landowner immunity if they had actual or constructive knowledge of the damage.
If a potentially responsible party (PRP) refuses to pay the expenses of cleaning up a toxic site, the EPA may
a. bring a criminal action and have the PRP jailed for up to ten years.
b. bring a civil action and be awarded three times the actual cost of the cleanup.
c. bring an administrative action and be awarded the actual cost of the cleanup, plus court costs.
d. have no legal recourse.
b. bring a civil action and be awarded three times the actual cost of the cleanup.
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A PRP is a potentially responsible party. If the PRP does not clean up the site, the EPA bills the PRP for the cost. Then, if the PRP still refuses to pay, the EPA can seek damages in court for up to three times the actual cost of cleanup.
Sealing off asbestos instead of removing it is called
a. encapsulation.
b. capping.
c. irresponsible remediation.
d. extended liability.
a. encapsulation.
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Encapsulation is the sealing off of disintegrating asbestos. Capping is covering over the top of a landfill with dirt and landscaping.
Lead-based paint is found in about 75% of all private housing built before
a. 1978.
b. 1985.
c. 1992.
d. 1996.
a. 1978.
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The federal government estimates that lead is present in about 75% of all private housing built before 1978, the year the Federal government banned the use of lead in interior paints.
Which of these is the byproduct of fuel combustion that may result in death if such equipment is not properly vented?
a. Radon
b. Lead
c. Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation
d. Carbon monoxide
d. Carbon monoxide
Feedback Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. High concentrations of CO can lead to death.
At least how much of a tank must be underground for it to be considered an underground storage tank?
a. 10%
b. 15%
c. 25%
d. 35%
a. 10%
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The official definition of an underground storage tank is one that is at least 10% underground.
How can property owners help avoid carbon monoxide exposure?
a. Have a fuel-burning heating system checked and maintained annually
b. Have the basement tested for carbon monoxide seeping in from the soil
c. Encapsulate sources of carbon monoxide emissions
d. Install attic vents
a. Have a fuel-burning heating system checked and maintained annually
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Heating systems are prime sources of carbon monoxide if they are poorly vented or poorly maintained.
Which of these is a source of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)?
a. Plywood and particle board
b. Small home appliances, such as hair dryers or food processors
c. Caulking compounds
d. Computers
c. Caulking compounds
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Sources of PCBs include caulking compounds, electrical transformers, and hydraulic oil in older equipment.
